reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 21 - PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE (§§ 93-21-1 — 93-21-311) › Article 5 - CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND ACT (§§ 93-21-301 — 93-21-311) › Section 93-21-311 - Criteria for making grant or loan

In making grants or loans from the trust fund, the Department of Child Protection Services shall consider the degree to which the applicant's proposal meets the following criteria:
(a)
Has as its primary purpose the development and facilitation of a community-based prevention program in a specific geographical area, which program shall utilize trained volunteers and existing community resources where practicable;
(b)
Is administered by an organization or group which is composed of or has participation by the county department of human services, the county health department, the youth court or chancery court, the office of the district attorney, county or municipal law enforcement personnel, county or municipal school officials, local public or private organizations or agencies which provide programs or services for the prevention of child abuse and neglect and educational programs for the prevention of problems of families and children; and
(c)
Demonstrates a willingness and ability and has a plan to provide prevention program models and consultations to appropriate organizations within the community regarding prevention program development and maintenance.
Laws, 1989, ch. 509, § 6, eff. 7/1/1989.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 516, HB 1149,§ 99, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-1 - Short title

The provisions of this chapter may be cited as the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 1, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-3 - Definitions

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a)
"Foreign protection order" means a protection order issued by a tribunal of another state.
(b)
"Issuing state" means the state whose tribunal issues a protection order.
(c)
"Mutual foreign protection order" means a foreign protection order that includes provisions issued in favor of both the protected individual seeking enforcement of the order and the respondent.
(d)
"Protected individual" means an individual protected by a protection order.
(e)
"Protection order" means an injunction or other order, issued by a tribunal under the domestic violence laws, family violence laws or anti-stalking laws of the issuing state, to prevent an individual from engaging in violent or threatening acts against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to another individual.
(f)
"Respondent" means the individual against whom enforcement of a protection order is sought.
(g)
"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes an American Indian tribe or band that has jurisdiction to issue protection orders.
(h)
"Tribunal" means a court, agency, or other entity authorized by law to issue or modify a protection order.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 2, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-5 - Judicial enforcement of order

(1)
A tribunal of this state shall enforce the terms of a valid foreign protection order, including terms that provide relief that a tribunal of this state would lack power to provide but for this section. A tribunal of this state shall enforce a valid foreign protection order issued by a tribunal, whether the order was obtained by independent action or in another proceeding, if it is an order issued in response to a complaint, petition, or motion filed by or on behalf of an individual seeking protection. A tribunal of this state may not enforce an order issued by a tribunal that does not recognize the standing of a protected individual to seek enforcement of the order. In a proceeding to enforce a foreign protection order, the tribunal shall follow the procedures of this state for the enforcement of protection orders.
(2)
A tribunal of this state shall enforce the provisions of a valid foreign protection order which governs custody and visitation. The custody and visitation provisions of the order must have been issued in accordance with the jurisdictional requirements governing the issuance of custody and visitation orders in the issuing state.
(3)
A tribunal of this state may not enforce under this chapter an order or provision of an order with respect to support.
(4)
A protection order is valid if it:
(a)
Identifies the protected individual and the respondent;
(b)
Is in effect at the time enforcement is being sought;
(c)
Was issued by a tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and matter under the law of the issuing state; and
(d)
Was issued after the respondent was provided with reasonable notice and had an opportunity to be heard before the tribunal issued the order or, in the case of an order ex parte, the respondent was given notice and afforded an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the issuing of the order, consistent with the rights of the respondent to due process.
(5)
A person authorized under the law of this state to seek enforcement of a foreign protection order establishes a prima facie case for its validity by presenting an order valid on its face.
(6)
Absence of any of the criteria for validity of a foreign protection order is an affirmative defense in an action seeking enforcement of the order.
(7)
A tribunal of this state may enforce the provisions of a mutual foreign protection order which favor a respondent only if:
(a)
The respondent filed a written pleading seeking a protection order from the tribunal of the issuing state; and
(b)
The tribunal of the issuing state made specific findings in favor of the respondent.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 3, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-7 - Nonjudicial enforcement of order

(1)
A law enforcement officer of this state, upon determining that there is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists and that the order has been violated, shall enforce the order as if it were the order of a tribunal of this state. Presentation of a protection order that identifies both the protected individual and the respondent, and on its face is in effect at the time enforcement is being sought, constitutes probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists. For the purposes of this section, the protection order may be inscribed on a tangible medium or may have been stored in an electronic or other medium if it is retrievable in perceivable form. Presentation of a certified copy of a protection order is not required for enforcement.
(2)
If the protection order is not presented, the officer may consider other information in determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists.
(3)
If a law enforcement officer of this state determines that an otherwise valid foreign protection order cannot be enforced because the respondent has not been notified or served with the order, the officer shall inform the respondent of the order and make a reasonable effort to serve the order upon the respondent. After informing the respondent and serving the order, the officer shall allow the respondent a reasonable opportunity to comply with the order before enforcing the order.
(4)
Registration or filing of an order in this state is not required for the enforcement of a valid foreign protection order under the provisions of this chapter.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 4, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-9 - Registration of order

(1)
It is not required that any foreign protection order be registered in Mississippi; however, any individual may register a foreign protection order in this state on behalf of the individual or any protected person. To register a foreign protection order, an individual shall present a certified copy of the order to the chancery clerk's office of any county in this state.
(2)
Upon presentation of a protection order, the chancery clerk shall enter the order into the Mississippi Protection Order Registry as provided in Section
93-21-25
.
(3)
At the time of registration, an individual registering a foreign protection order shall file an affidavit by the protected individual that, to the best of the individual's knowledge, the order is in effect at the time of the registration.
(4)
The failure to register a foreign protection order pursuant to the provisions of this section shall have no effect on the validity or enforceability of the order by Mississippi law enforcement or courts.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 5; Laws, 2012, ch. 514, § 7, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-11 - Immunity

This state or a local governmental agency, or a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, clerk of court, or any state or local governmental official acting in an official capacity, is immune from civil and criminal liability for an act or omission arising out of the registration or enforcement of a foreign protection order or the detention or arrest of an alleged violator of a foreign protection order if the act or omission is done in good faith in an effort to comply with this chapter.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 6, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-13 - Transitional provision

This chapter applies to any protection order issued before July 1, 2004, including any continuing action for enforcement of a foreign protection order commenced before July 1, 2004. A request for enforcement of a foreign protection order brought on or after July 1, 2004 for violations of a foreign protection order occurring before July 1, 2004, is governed by the provisions of this chapter.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 7, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-15 - Other remedies

Pursuit of remedies under this chapter does not preclude a protected individual from pursuing other legal or equitable remedies against the respondent.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 8, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 22 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDERS (§§ 93-22-1 — 93-22-17) › Section 93-22-17 - Severability clause

If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this chapter which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are severable.
Laws, 2004, ch. 566, § 9, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 23 - UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION ACT [Repealed] (§ 93-23-1) › Section 93-23-1 - through 93-23-47 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 2004, ch. 519, § 39 eff. 7/1/2004.
§ 93-23-1. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, §§ 1 through 24, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-3. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 2, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-5. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 3, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-7. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 4, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-9. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 5, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-11. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 6, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-13. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 7, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-15. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 8, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-17. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 9, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-19. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 10, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-21. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 11, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-23. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 12, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-25. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 13, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-27. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 14, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-29. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 15, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-31. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 16, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-33. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 17, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-35. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 18, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-37. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 19, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-39. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 20, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-41. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 21, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-43. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 22, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-45. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 23, eff. 7/1/1982.] § 93-23-47. [Laws, 1982, ch. 414, § 24, eff. 7/1/1982.]
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Section 93-25-1 - through 93-25-99 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1997, ch. 588, § 129, eff. 7/1/1997.
Repealed by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 93-25-101 — 93-25-107) › Section 93-25-101 - Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Uniform Interstate Family Support Act."
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 93-25-101 — 93-25-107) › Section 93-25-103 - State tribunal and support enforcement agency

(a)
The chancery courts, circuit and county courts, and tribal courts are the tribunals of this state.
(b)
The Department of Human Services is the support enforcement agency of this state.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 93-25-101 — 93-25-107) › Section 93-25-104 - Remedies cumulative

(a)
Remedies provided by this chapter are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.
(b)
This chapter does not:
(1)
Provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this state; or
(2)
Grant a tribunal of this state jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody or visitation in a proceeding under this chapter.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 93-25-101 — 93-25-107) › Section 93-25-105 - Application of chapter to resident of foreign country and foreign support proceeding

(a)
A tribunal of this state shall apply Articles 1 through 6 and, as applicable, Article 7, to a support proceeding involving:
(1)
A foreign support order;
(2)
A foreign tribunal; or
(3)
An obligee, obligor, or child residing in a foreign country.
(b)
A tribunal of this state that is requested to recognize and enforce a support order on the basis of comity may apply the procedural and substantive provisions of Articles 1 through 6.
(c)
Article 7 applies only to a support proceeding under the Convention. In such a proceeding, if a provision of Article 7 is inconsistent with Articles 1 through 6, Article 7 controls.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 93-25-101 — 93-25-107) › Section 93-25-107 - through 93-25-117 - [Repealed]

Laws, 1997, ch. 588, § 125.
Repealed by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-201 - Bases for jurisdiction over nonresident

(a)
In a proceeding to establish or enforce a support order or to determine parentage of a child, a tribunal of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual or the individual's guardian or conservator if:
(1)
The individual is personally served with process within this state;
(2)
The individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent in a record, by entering a general appearance or by filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any contest to personal jurisdiction;
(3)
The individual resided with the child in this state;
(4)
The individual resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child;
(5)
The child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of the individual;
(6)
The individual engaged in sexual intercourse in this state and the child may have been conceived by that act of intercourse;
(7)
The individual asserted parentage of a child as provided by law in this state; or
(8)
There is any other basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of personal jurisdiction.
(b)
The bases of personal jurisdiction set forth in subsection (a) or in any other law of this state may not be used to acquire personal jurisdiction for a tribunal of this state to modify a child-support order of another state unless the requirements of Section
93-25-611
are met, or, in the case of a foreign support order, unless the requirements of Section
93-25-615
are met.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-202 - Duration of personal jurisdiction

Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this state in a proceeding under this chapter or other law of this state relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce its order as provided by Sections
93-25-205
,
93-25-206
and
93-25-211
.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-203 - Initiating and responding tribunal of state

Under this chapter, a tribunal of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to forward proceedings to a tribunal of another state and as a responding tribunal for proceedings initiated in another state or a foreign country.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-204 - Simultaneous proceedings

(a)
A tribunal of this state may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the complaint or comparable pleading is filed after a complaint or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country only if:
(1)
The complaint or comparable pleading in this state is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state or the foreign country for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state or the foreign country;
(2)
The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state or the foreign country; and
(3)
If relevant, this state is the home state of the child.
(b)
A tribunal of this state may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the complaint or comparable pleading is filed before a complaint or comparable pleading is filed in another state or a foreign country if:
(1)
The complaint or comparable pleading in the other state or foreign country is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in this state for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by this state;
(2)
The contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in this state; and
(3)
If relevant, the other state or foreign country is the home state of the child.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-205 - Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction

(a)
A tribunal of this state that has issued a child-support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child-support order if the order is the controlling order and:
(1)
At the time of the filing of a request for modification this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or
(2)
Even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order.
(b)
A tribunal of this state that has issued a child-support order consistent with the law of this state may not exercise continuing exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if:
(1)
All of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one (1) of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or
(2)
Its order is not the controlling order.
(c)
If a tribunal of another state has issued a child-support order pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or to a law substantially similar to this chapter which modifies a child-support order of a tribunal of this state, tribunals of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state.
(d)
A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child-support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state.
(e)
A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-206 - Continuing jurisdiction to enforce child-support order

(a)
A tribunal of this state that has issued a child-support order consistent with the law of this state may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce:
(1)
The order, if the order is the controlling order and has not been modified by a tribunal of another state which assumed jurisdiction pursuant to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; or
(2)
A money judgment for support arrearages and interest on the order accrued before a determination that an order of a tribunal of another state is the controlling order.
(b)
A tribunal of this state having continuing jurisdiction over a support order may act as a responding tribunal to enforce the order.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-208 - Child-support orders for two or more obligees

In responding to registrations or complaints for enforcement of two (2) or more child-support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees, at least one (1) of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or foreign country, a tribunal of this state shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the orders had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-209 - Credit for payments

A tribunal of this state shall credit amounts collected for a particular period pursuant to any child-support order against the amounts owed for the same period under any other child-support order for support of the same child issued by a tribunal of this state, another state, or a foreign country.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-210 - Application of chapter to nonresident subject to personal jurisdiction

A tribunal of this state exercising personal jurisdiction over a nonresident in a proceeding under this chapter, under other law of this state relating to a support order, or recognizing a foreign support order may receive evidence from outside this state pursuant to Section
93-25-316
, communicate with a tribunal outside this state pursuant to Section
93-25-317
, and obtain discovery through a tribunal outside this state pursuant to Section
93-25-318
. In all other respects, Articles 3 through 6 do not apply and the tribunal shall apply the procedural and substantive law of this state.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 2 - JURISDICTION (§§ 93-25-201 — 93-25-211) › Section 93-25-211 - Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal-support order

(a)
A tribunal of this state issuing a spousal-support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal-support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.
(b)
A tribunal of this state may not modify a spousal-support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country.
(c)
A tribunal of this state that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal-support order may serve as:
(1)
An initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal-support order issued in this state; or
(2)
A responding tribunal to enforce or modify its own spousal-support order.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-301 - Proceedings under chapter

(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this article applies to all proceedings under this chapter.
(b)
An individual complainant or a support enforcement agency may initiate a proceeding authorized under this chapter by filing a complaint in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a complaint or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the defendant.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-302 - Proceeding by minor parent

A minor parent, or a guardian or other legal representative of a minor parent, may maintain a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of the minor's child.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-303 - Application of law of state

Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-304 - Duties of initiating tribunal

(a)
Upon the filing of a complaint authorized by this chapter, an initiating tribunal of this state shall forward the complaint and its accompanying documents:
(1)
To the responding tribunal or appropriate support enforcement agency in the responding state; or
(2)
If the identity of the responding tribunal is unknown, to the state information agency of the responding state with a request that they be forwarded to the appropriate tribunal and that receipt be acknowledged.
(b)
If requested by the responding tribunal, a tribunal of this state shall issue a certificate or other document and make findings required by the law of the responding state. If the responding tribunal is in a foreign country, upon request the tribunal of this state shall specify the amount of support sought, convert that amount into the equivalent amount in the foreign currency under applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported, and provide any other documents necessary to satisfy the requirements of the responding foreign tribunal.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-305 - Duties and powers of responding tribunal

(a)
When a responding tribunal of this state receives a complaint or comparable pleading from an initiating tribunal or directly pursuant to Section
93-25-301(b)
, it shall cause the complaint or pleading to be filed and shall notify the complainant where and when it was filed.
(b)
A responding tribunal of this state, to the extent not prohibited by other law, may do one or more of the following:
(1)
Establish or enforce a support order, modify a child-support order, determine the controlling child-support order, or determine parentage of a child;
(2)
Order an obligor to comply with a support order, specifying the amount and the manner of compliance;
(3)
Order income withholding;
(4)
Determine the amount of any arrearage and specify a method of payment;
(5)
Enforce orders by civil or criminal contempt, or both;
(6)
Set aside property for satisfaction of the support order;
(7)
Place liens and order execution on the obligor's property;
(8)
Order an obligor to keep the tribunal informed of the obligor's current residential address, electronic-mail address, telephone number, employer, address of employment and telephone number at the place of employment;
(9)
Issue a bench warrant or capias for an obligor who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal and enter the bench warrant or capias in any local and state computer systems for criminal warrants;
(10)
Order the obligor to seek appropriate employment by specified methods;
(11)
Award reasonable attorney's fees and other fees and costs; and
(12)
Grant any other available remedy.
(c)
A responding tribunal of this state shall include in a support order issued under this chapter, or in the documents accompanying the order, the calculations on which the support order is based.
(d)
A responding tribunal of this state may not condition the payment of a support order issued under this chapter upon compliance by a party with provisions for visitation.
(e)
If a responding tribunal of this state issues an order under this chapter, the tribunal shall send a copy of the order to the complainant and the defendant and to the initiating tribunal, if any.
(f)
If requested to enforce a support order, arrearage, or judgment or modify a support order stated in a foreign currency, a responding tribunal of this state shall convert the amount stated in the foreign currency to the equivalent amount in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-306 - Inappropriate tribunal

If a complaint or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state and notify the complainant where and when the pleading was sent.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-307 - Duties of support enforcement agency

(a)
In a proceeding under this chapter, a support enforcement agency of this state, upon request:
(1)
Shall provide services to a complainant residing in a state;
(2)
Shall provide services to a complainant requesting services through a central authority of a foreign country as described in Section
93-25-102(5) (A) or (D)
; and
(3)
May provide services to a complainant who is an individual not residing in a state.
(b)
A support enforcement agency of this state that is providing services to the complainant as appropriate shall:
(1)
Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this state, another state, or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the defendant;
(2)
Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing;
(3)
Make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;
(4)
Within two (2) days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a notice in a record from an initiating, responding or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the complainant;
(5)
Within two (2) days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a communication in a record from the defendant or the defendant's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the complainant; and
(6)
Notify the complainant if jurisdiction over the defendant cannot be obtained.
(c)
A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration of a child-support order in this state for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts:
(1)
To ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order; or
(2)
If two (2) or more child-support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, to ensure that a request for such a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction to do so.
(d)
A support enforcement agency of this state that requests registration and enforcement of a child-support order, arrearages or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rate as publicly reported.
(e)
A support enforcement agency of this state shall request a tribunal of this state to issue a child-support order and an income-withholding order that redirect payment of current support, arrearages and interest if requested to do so by a support enforcement agency of another state pursuant to Section
93-25-319
.
(f)
This chapter does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-308 - Duty of the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services

(a)
If the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services determines that the support enforcement agency is neglecting or refusing to provide services to an individual, the executive director may order the agency to perform its duties under this chapter or may provide those services directly to the individual.
(b)
The Executive Director of the Department of Human Services may determine that a foreign country has established a reciprocal arrangement for child support with this state and take appropriate action for notification of the determination.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-309 - Private counsel

An individual may employ private counsel to represent the individual in proceedings authorized by this chapter.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-310 - Duties of Department of Human Services

(a)
The Department of Human Services is the state information agency under this chapter.
(b)
The state information agency shall:
(1)
Compile and maintain a current list, including addresses, of the tribunals in this state which have jurisdiction under this chapter and any support enforcement agencies in this state, and transmit a copy to the state information agency of every other state;
(2)
Maintain a register of names and addresses of tribunals and support enforcement agencies received from other states;
(3)
Forward to the appropriate tribunal in the county in this state in which the obligee who is an individual or the obligor resides, or in which the obligor's property is believed to be located, all documents concerning a proceeding under this chapter received from another state or a foreign country; and
(4)
Obtain information concerning the location of the obligor and the obligor's property within this state not exempt from execution, by such means as postal verification and federal or state locator services, examination of telephone directories, requests for the obligor's address from employers, and examination of governmental records, including, to the extent not prohibited by other law, those relating to real property, vital statistics, law enforcement, taxation, motor vehicles, driver's licenses and social security.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-311 - Pleadings and accompanying documents

(a)
In a proceeding under this chapter, a complainant seeking to establish a support order, to determine parentage of a child, or to register and modify a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must file a complaint. Unless otherwise ordered under Section
93-25-312
, the complaint or accompanying documents must provide, so far as known, the name, residential address and social security numbers of the obligor and the obligee or the parent and alleged parent, and the name, sex, residential address, social security number and date of birth of each child for whose benefit support is sought or whose parentage is to be determined. Unless filed at the time of registration, the complaint must be accompanied by a copy of any support order known to have been issued by another tribunal. The complaint may include any other information that may assist in locating or identifying the defendant.
(b)
The complaint must specify the relief sought. The complaint and accompanying documents must conform substantially with the requirements imposed by the forms mandated by federal law for use in cases filed by a support enforcement agency.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-312 - Nondisclosure of information in exceptional circumstances

If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of specific identifying information, that information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public. After a hearing in which a tribunal takes into consideration the health, safety or liberty of the party or child, the tribunal may order disclosure of information that the tribunal determines to be in the interest of justice.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-313 - Costs and fees

(a)
The complainant may not be required to pay a filing fee or other costs.
(b)
If an obligee prevails, a responding tribunal of this state may assess against an obligor filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, other costs and necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by the obligee and the obligee's witnesses. The tribunal may not assess fees, costs or expenses against the obligee or the support enforcement agency of either the initiating or responding state or foreign country, except as provided by other law. Attorney's fees may be taxed as costs, and may be ordered paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. Payment of support owed to the obligee has priority over fees, costs and expenses.
(c)
The tribunal shall order the payment of costs and reasonable attorney's fees if it determines that a hearing was requested primarily for delay. In a proceeding under Article 6, a hearing is presumed to have been requested primarily for delay if a registered support order is confirmed or enforced without change.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-314 - Limited immunity of complainant

(a)
Participation by a complainant in a proceeding under this chapter before a responding tribunal, whether in person, by private attorney or through services provided by the support enforcement agency, does not confer personal jurisdiction over the complainant in another proceeding.
(b)
A complainant is not amenable to service of civil process while physically present in this state to participate in a proceeding under this chapter.
(c)
The immunity granted by this section does not extend to civil litigation based on acts unrelated to a proceeding under this chapter committed by a party while physically present in this state to participate in the proceeding.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 93 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS (§§ 93-1-1 — 93-31-7) › Chapter 25 - UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT (§§ 93-25-1 — 93-25-903) › Article 3 - CIVIL PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION (§§ 93-25-301 — 93-25-319) › Section 93-25-315 - Nonparentage as defense

A party whose parentage of a child has been previously determined by or pursuant to law may not plead nonparentage as a defense to a proceeding under this chapter.
Added by Laws, 2015, ch. 367, SB 2301, 1, eff. 7/1/2015.