MS HB1020

Increases child support percentages of adjusted gross income for all numbers of children: one child from 14% to 17%, two children from 20% to 24%, three children from 22% to 26%, four children from 24% to 28%, and five or more children from 26% to 30%.

Creates two separate emancipation standards based on the order establishment date: for orders established before July 1, 2013, emancipation occurs at age 21 (or earlier upon marriage, military service, or felony conviction with 2+ year incarceration); for orders established on or after July 1, 2013, emancipation occurs at age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later, but no later than age 19.

Removes provisions allowing courts to determine emancipation based on discontinuing school enrollment before age 18 or establishing independent living arrangements for orders created on or after July 1, 2013.

Clarifies that child support arrearages continue to be owed after emancipation until fully satisfied, regardless of when the order was established.

Effective date: July 1, 2013.