MS HB1022

Allows unemancipated minor children under age 18 to file suit for support in chancery court against their parent(s) in the county where the child resides.

Permits court to order parents to pay support in specified amounts and may require bond or other guarantees; if one parent has custody, noncustodial parent may be ordered to pay the custodial parent.

Allows court to designate a trustee to receive support payments, with the Mississippi Department of Human Services serving as trustee if the child or parents receive public assistance.

Requires courts to consider both parents' relative financial ability when both have separate incomes and may order proportional contributions from each parent.

Support obligation terminates when the child turns 18, marries, joins the military full-time, or is incarcerated for a crime through their 18th birthday; support is suspended during any pre-18 incarceration periods.