MS SB2129

Allows courts to decide custody, maintenance, and property rights disputes if parties consent in writing to permit the court to resolve uncontested issues, with consent being binding and not withdrawable without court permission.

Permits courts to proceed with deciding contested issues as if consent were given when both parties have asserted under oath an adversarial claim for divorce solely on grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Requires all matters involving child custody, maintenance, and property rights be either adjudicated by the court or agreed upon by parties before a divorce can be granted under this section.

Restricts appeals from court orders and judgments to only those issues that parties consented to have decided by the court.

Excludes inheritances and interests under third-party wills from consideration as property or economic circumstances in determining maintenance and alimony orders.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.