On July 1, 2026, 50/50 joint custody becomes the legal starting point in every new Mississippi custody case. Whether that helps you or works against you depends on how your case is built. In one focused session, I’ll show you exactly what changed and what to do about it.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

For years, Mississippi judges decided custody by weighing twelve factors, with no built-in preference for either parent. That era is ending.

House Bill 1662 flips the default. Starting July 1, courts begin every new divorce and custody case at a 50/50 split. The parent who wants a different arrangement now carries the burden of proving why — and the judge has to put their reasons in writing.

The starting line moved. If you’re heading into a custody case, your strategy has to move with it!