Custody

After considering the best interest of the child, the judge can order any of the following custody arrangements or a combination thereof:

1. joint physical custody, where each parent has regular and continuing contact with the child and a significant period of time when the child is in his/her care;¹
2. joint legal custody, where both parents share decision-making rights and responsibilities regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child; Note: A joint legal custody order also requires that you and the other parent consult before making decisions regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child;²
3. joint physical and legal custody, where parents share both the care of the child as well as decision-making rights;³
4. sole physical custody, where the child lives the majority of the time with one parent but can have visitation with the other; and
5. sole legal custody, where only one parent has decision-making rights and responsibilities regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child.⁴

¹ Miss. Code § 93-5-24(5)(c), (1)(b)
² Miss. Code § 93-5-24(5)(e), (1)(c)
³ Miss. Code § 93-5-24(1)(a)
⁴ Miss. Code § 93-5-24(1)(d)