Mississippi Alimony Laws 2026
Complete guide to spousal support in Mississippi
Mississippi Alimony at a Glance
Types Available
Maximum Duration
Discretionary
How Courts Calculate
Judge discretion; considers fault
Understanding Mississippi Alimony Law
In Mississippi, alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. Mississippi considers marital fault in alimony awards.
Mississippi courts generally consider the following factors when determining alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's income and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse's age, health, and employability
- Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
- Child custody arrangements and their impact on earning capacity
- Marital misconduct or fault (in some cases)
Types of Alimony in Mississippi
Periodic: Regular (usually monthly) payments over a defined or indefinite period.
Lump-sum: A one-time payment of the total alimony amount, rather than ongoing periodic payments.
Rehabilitative: Designed to support a spouse while they gain education or job skills to become self-sufficient. Typically has a defined end date tied to the completion of a training program or return to the workforce.
Reimbursement: Compensates a spouse for financial contributions made to the other spouse's education or career advancement during the marriage.
Duration of Alimony
In Mississippi, the duration of alimony awards is: Discretionary.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
In most cases, alimony in Mississippi can be modified or terminated upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
- Recipient spouse's remarriage
- Recipient spouse's cohabitation with a new partner (in many states)
- Either party's retirement
- Death of either party
Estimate Your Mississippi Alimony
Use our calculator to get a rough estimate based on Mississippi guidelines.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed Mississippi family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.