MS HB1295

Prohibits courts from basing imputed income for child support calculations on a standard amount instead of gathering specific facts about the obligated parent's circumstances, including assets, job skills, education, health, criminal record, employment barriers, and local job market conditions

Requires courts to consider the basic subsistence needs of obligated parents with limited ability to pay when adjusted gross income falls below $10,000 or exceeds $100,000

Changes terminology throughout Mississippi child support statutes from "absent parent" to "obligated parent" in provisions governing the Department of Human Services Child Support Unit

Maintains existing child support percentage guidelines based on adjusted gross income: 14% for one child, 20% for two children, 22% for three children, 24% for four children, and 26% for five or more children

Effective date: July 1, 2021