Filing for divorce in Mississippi without an attorney costs $50-$150 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Mississippi. Mississippi is a equitable distribution state with a 60 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Mississippi-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $50-$150 (Filing fees are among the lowest in the country, typically $50-$150 depending on the county. Hinds County (Jackson): $125.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Mississippi |
| Waiting Period | 60 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault, requires consent), Adultery, Desertion, Habitual drunkenness, Drug addiction, Habitual cruel and inhuman treatment, Mental incapacity, Bigamy, Pregnancy by another at marriage, Incest, Incurable insanity, Natural impotency |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Mississippi, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Mississippi.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Mississippi for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Mississippi's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Mississippi without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Mississippi for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
Download the official Mississippi divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Financial Declaration. All forms are available from the Mississippi courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Varies by county) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Mississippi court and pay the filing fee of $50-$150. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Mississippi rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Mississippi law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Mississippi has a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing for no-fault divorces. Fault-based divorces may proceed faster if grounds are proven.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Mississippi, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Mississippi. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Mississippi is $50-$150. Filing fees are among the lowest in the country, typically $50-$150 depending on the county. Hinds County (Jackson): $125.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $50-$150 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $150-$800 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Mississippi offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Mississippi, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Mississippi courts are strict about service requirements.
Mississippi is a equitable distribution state.
Mississippi uses equitable distribution, dividing marital property fairly. The court considers factors including each spouse's contribution to accumulation of property, and may consider marital misconduct.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Mississippi law applies to your specific property.
Mississippi uses the Percentage of income model.
Mississippi uses a percentage of adjusted gross income: 14% for one child, 20% for two, 22% for three, 24% for four, 26% for five or more. The guidelines are simpler than many states.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Mississippi divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $50-$150 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days - Mississippi has a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing for no-fault divorces. Fault-based divorces may proceed faster if grounds are proven.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault requires both parties' consent
Many fault grounds available
Among lowest filing fees in U.S.
Simpler percentage-based child support
Fault can affect alimony and property division
Common questions about filing for divorce in Mississippi without an attorney.
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Mississippi-specific forms
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Child support calculator
Using Mississippi's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Mississippi divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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