Mississippi Child Custody Lawyers
Protecting your parental rights and prioritizing your child’s best interests in every custody case
Legal Expertise That Puts You First
Why You Need a Mississippi Child Custody Lawyer
Few legal matters are as emotionally charged and deeply personal as child custody disputes. Your relationship with your child, their well-being, and their future stability are at stake.
An experienced Mississippi child custody lawyer can help you navigate complex custody laws, protect your rights, and ensure the court understands your story. At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we combine over 60 years of experience with compassionate, strategic advocacy to fight for what matters most: your family. We handle divorce, child custody, and child support cases.
Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle
We represent parents in a wide range of custody matters, including:
Legal Custody Disputes
Determining who has decision-making authority over important aspects of the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Physical Custody and Visitation
Establishing where the child lives and creating fair, workable visitation schedules.
Sole vs. Joint Custody
We help parents understand and pursue the arrangement that best serves their child’s interests.
Custody Modifications
When circumstances change, we help parents request or challenge modifications to existing custody orders.
Parental Relocation Cases
Navigating complex issues when a parent wants to move out of state or far from the other parent.
Emergency Custody Actions
When immediate action is needed to protect a child’s safety and well-being.
Legal vs. Physical Custody
It’s essential to understand the difference between legal and physical custody in Mississippi:
- Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training.
- Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.
We help parents negotiate or litigate these arrangements, always focusing on the best interests of the child while protecting parental rights.
Why Choose Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins for Your Child Custody Case
Choosing the right child custody attorney can make all the difference. Here’s why Mississippi families trust us:
Deep Experience
Over 80 years combined guiding parents through challenging custody cases.
Child-Focused Strategy
We always prioritize your child’s best interests while protecting your rights.
Empathetic Support
We provide clear, compassionate guidance through every stage of your case.
How does a Mississippi court decide custody?
Courts consider the child’s best interests, including each parent’s relationship with the child, home stability, ability to provide care, and the child’s preference if age-appropriate.
Can a child choose which parent to live with?
While the court may consider a mature child's preference, it is only one factor among many and not the sole deciding factor.
Can custody orders be modified?
Yes. If there is a significant change in circumstances (such as relocation, changes in work schedules, or concerns about safety), you can request a modification.
What is joint custody?
Joint custody typically means shared legal custody and/or physical custody, allowing both parents to remain actively involved in the child’s life.
Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights?
In certain situations, grandparents may petition for visitation rights if it serves the child’s best interests. We can advise on these complex cases.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. We offer a free initial consultation to review your case and explain your options with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Free Consultation
You don’t have to face child custody disputes alone. Let our experienced Mississippi custody lawyers protect your rights and your family.