Bill > HB485

This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 43-19-103 to add a new factor for determining child support awards by introducing a provision that allows courts to consider the mental or physical disability of a child, including children over 21 years old who are incapable of self-support and require ongoing care from the custodial parent. The existing law already provides a framework for judges to deviate from standard child support guidelines by making written findings that the standard guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. The current factors for such deviation include considerations like extraordinary expenses, the child's independent income, spousal support payments, seasonal income variations, the child's age, special needs, parental arrangements, total family assets, child care expenses, and other circumstances that might affect an equitable support determination. The new addition specifically recognizes that children with disabilities may require extended support beyond typical child support guidelines, acknowledging the potentially ongoing caregiving responsibilities of a custodial parent. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for legal professionals and families to prepare for this modification to child support regulations.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0485.xml