From our office on the Oxford Square, Tollison & Webb P.A. represents clients in Oxford, Lafayette County, and throughout North Mississippi in divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, guardianship, and court-order enforcement matters.

These cases can affect children, finances, housing, and day-to-day family life. We explain the applicable Mississippi law, identify practical options, and prepare each matter for negotiation or hearing based on its particular facts. Attorney Brittany E. Barbee primarily focuses her practice on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Facing a divorce, custody, support, adoption, or enforcement issue? Call (662) 234-7070 to schedule a consultation, or contact the firm online.

Family Law Practice Areas

Divorce

Divorce involves the legal dissolution of a marriage and the resolution of related issues including property division, spousal support, and, when children are involved, custody and support. Mississippi permits divorce on specified fault grounds or on irreconcilable differences. An irreconcilable-differences divorce requires both spouses’ consent, either to an agreement resolving the issues or to the court deciding specified disputed issues. We represent clients in uncontested and contested divorces, helping them address property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support.

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Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody determinations are among the most consequential outcomes of a divorce or separation. Mississippi courts evaluate custody based on the best interests of the child, considering a range of factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s own preferences depending on age. We represent parents in initial custody proceedings, custody modifications, and relocation disputes, preparing the evidence and arguments relevant to the child’s best interests.

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Child Support

Mississippi’s statutory child-support guidelines generally begin with a percentage of the obligated parent’s adjusted gross income, based on the number of children being supported. A court may deviate from the presumptive amount when applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances. We represent clients in initial child-support proceedings, enforcement actions, and modification requests when circumstances have materially changed.

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Adoption

Adoption is one of the most rewarding legal processes we handle. Whether you are pursuing a stepparent adoption, a relative adoption, or an independent adoption, Mississippi’s legal requirements are specific and require careful attention. We help families satisfy the statutory requirements and seek a final adoption decree, from the initial petition through the final hearing.

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Conservatorships and Guardianships

When a person is unable to manage their own affairs due to age, disability, or incapacity, a court-appointed guardian or conservator may be necessary to protect their interests. Guardianship addresses personal decisions including healthcare and living arrangements, while conservatorship addresses financial matters. We handle guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for both minors and adults, advising families on the appropriate legal framework and guiding them through the court process.

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Contempt Petitions

A party may seek enforcement through contempt when another party willfully disobeys a clear court order governing divorce, child custody, child support, or visitation. Whether contempt is appropriate—and what remedies are available—depends on the order, the reason for noncompliance, and the evidence. We represent clients seeking enforcement and clients responding to contempt allegations.

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Birth Certificate Corrections

Errors on a birth certificate can create legal complications for identification, benefits, inheritance, and other matters that depend on accurate vital records. Mississippi has a specific legal process for correcting birth certificate errors, and the requirements vary depending on the nature of the error and how long ago it occurred. We handle birth certificate correction petitions throughout North Mississippi, guiding clients through the process efficiently.

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Family Law Matters in Lafayette County Chancery Court

Family-law matters are generally heard in chancery court. When Lafayette County is the proper venue, a case may be heard in Lafayette County Chancery Court at 300 North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford, near our office on the Square. Venue and jurisdiction depend on the circumstances, including where the parties or child live and whether another court entered an earlier order.

Many family law matters can be resolved through negotiated agreements rather than contested hearings, which is generally faster, less expensive, and less adversarial for everyone involved, particularly children. We pursue negotiated resolution whenever it is in our client’s best interest, and we are prepared to litigate fully when it is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Mississippi?

For a divorce based on irreconcilable differences, Mississippi law requires the complaint to be on file for at least 60 days before it may be heard. A contested divorce involving disputed property, custody, support, or fault grounds can take considerably longer depending on the issues and the court’s docket. We give clients a realistic assessment of timelines based on the specific circumstances of their case.

Can family law orders be modified after they are entered?

Yes, in many cases. Custody, visitation, and child support orders can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. The threshold for modification varies depending on the type of order and the nature of the change. We advise clients on whether the circumstances warrant a modification petition and represent them in modification proceedings.

Do I need an attorney for an uncontested divorce?

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but even uncontested divorces involve legal documents with long-term consequences. Property settlement agreements, custody arrangements, and support terms that seem straightforward can create problems later if they are incomplete or ambiguous. An attorney can help identify those issues and prepare documents that accurately reflect the parties’ agreement.

How does Mississippi determine child custody?

Mississippi courts apply the Albright factors, a set of criteria established by the Mississippi Supreme Court for evaluating the best interests of the child in custody determinations. These factors include the age of the child, the health of the parents, each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, employment demands, and a range of other considerations. We prepare clients for custody evaluations and hearings and present the evidence and arguments supporting the requested custody arrangement.

What happens if my ex is not following our court order?

A court order is legally binding, but whether noncompliance constitutes contempt depends on the language of the order, the reason for noncompliance, and the evidence. Remedies for a party found in contempt can include fines, attorney-fee awards, and, in serious cases, incarceration. If your court order is not being followed, contact us to discuss your options.

Talk With an Oxford Family Law Attorney

If you have a family law matter in Oxford, Lafayette County, or elsewhere in North Mississippi, contact Tollison & Webb P.A. to schedule a consultation.

Call (662) 234-7070 or contact us online.

You may also complete an intake questionnaire and we will contact you to schedule a consultation if we believe we can assist with your matter.