How Long Does a Divorce Take in Mississippi? Find Out Now

Posted by Alissa Ormsby
6
Nov 21, 2025
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In Mississippi, a divorce usually takes 60 days after filing, known as the "waiting" period. This time applies to uncontested divorces where both sides agree. And the thing people don’t really think about is, for contested divorces, the process can take much longer due to court schedules and disagreements. According to the Mississippi Code, the time varies based on the difficulty of issues like property division and child custody.

To no great shock, divorce can feel like a fresh start or a chance to be free, so many people see it as a big life change. But it also comes with a lot of feelings and issues, especially in states like Mississippi, and that kinda makes sense understanding these challenges is key if you're thinking about ending your marriage. Maybe you want to support a friend going through a divorce or just want to better understand the process for peace of mind. You might be driven to make sure it's manageable both financially and emotionally, which naturally leads back to focusing on just one part of the process can lead to problems you didn't expect. Let’s talk about how long divorce might take in Mississippi. It's important to know what steps to take if you're going through these tricky waters. As an expert in this, I'm Allissa Ormsby, a paralegal, and today I'll help you see how knowing the steps and timing can make you feel more in control during this tough time.

Key Pointers

  • In Mississippi, a simple divorce usually takes about 60 days from filing.
  • Divorces with disagreements can take several months to years based on how complicated they are.
  • The 60-day waiting period is required for all divorces, giving both sides time to think things over.
  • Divorces with disagreements take more time because of legal steps like gathering information and holding a trial.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, incompatibility is a legal ground for divorce, which is a fancy way of saying we argue over Netflix shows too much.

According to Mississippi state law, there are several legal reasons for divorce. These include cheating, abandonment, constant cruel and mean treatment, and regular drunkenness. And something else that’s actually kind of cool, jail time and incurable mental illness are also recognized as reasons for ending a marriage.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Mississippi?

Here is what people generally say on the internet regarding the legal grounds for divorce in Mississippi, with ideas from various sources:

According to a blog on r/Reddit, one common understanding is:

"In Mississippi, a divorce can be granted on both 'fault' and 'no-fault' grounds, with the no-fault option requiring mutual consent based on irreconcilable differences."

On a legal forum like Avvo, you might find individuals noting:

"Mississippi's fault-based grounds for divorce include habitual cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, impotency, and habitual drunkenness or drug use, among others."

From legal advice columns on sites like Justia, users often mention:

"One of the unique aspects of Mississippi's divorce laws is that desertion for a period of at least one year can also be cited as a valid ground for fault-based divorce."

What Is the Typical Timeline for Divorce Proceedings in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, if both people agree, a divorce can take 30 to 90 days, but if they don't agree, it might last several months or over a year. This was first brought up by me at the start, but lets take a look at what is the typical timeline for divorce proceedings in mississippi? with more detail here. Thinking a lot about divorce is normal because it is a big life choice and gives a sense of peace and finality once it's done, and that’s why I thought we should look at it.

According to the Mississippi Bar, the usual divorce timeline in Mississippi changes based on several reasons. It often depends on the type of divorce and whether it is agreed upon or disputed. You’d think that’s all, but, generally, the process can be separated into these steps:

  1. Waiting Time: Agreed divorces require at least 60 days after filing the complaint.
  2. Disputed Cases: These can take several months or even over a year due to court schedules and challenges.
  3. Completion: Finalizing the divorce includes splitting assets, custody agreements, and court approval.

What if this changes everything we know? I am noticing that people are saying the divorce process in Mississippi is taking three months to over a year. Signs of this are helping people get ready for what is coming, both emotionally and legally.

What Is the Typical Timeline for Divorce Proceedings in Mississippi?

Are you wondering, "How long does a divorce take in Mississippi?" and need reliable assistance? Discover how long each step of divorce usually takes in this article https://msonlinedivorce.com/how-long-does-divorce-take-mississippi/. MSOnlineDivorce.com service provides clear instructions and all the forms you need to complete your divorce online, saving you time and stress.

Let’s take a quick peek right now and see what stands out the most about what is the typical timeline for divorce proceedings in mississippi?. Some people think that getting a divorce in Mississippi is fast, but it can actually take a while, even months. Mediation could help settle things more quickly than going to court. It's good to be cautious with any divorce plan to make sure your rights and needs are taken care of, at the end of the day.

What Factors Can Influence the Duration of a Divorce in Mississippi?

As mentioned by trustworthy sources like LegalZoom, several things can affect how long a divorce takes in Mississippi. These include:

1) if the divorce is agreed on by both spouses or not,

2) the challenge of dividing property,

3) disputes over children, and

4) how well the spouses work together.

You’d think that’s all, but, each thing can cause different timelines; for example, divorces that are not agreed on usually take longer because of court processes, while agreed ones might finish faste. Factors affecting how long a divorce takes in Mississippi include disagreements over shared property and child custody matters. Experts advise finding solutions early and thinking about mediation to quicken the process. Hiring a skilled divorce lawyer can also help handle different legal issues that may arise effectively.

The Final Thoughts

In Mississippi, the length of a divorce can change a lot depending on different things like the reason for the divorce and how much the people involved agree. While the process may seem scary, it's important to remember that there is a way forward, and with patience and the right help, you can handle it successfully. To speed up the process, think about talking with a skilled lawyer who can give advice customized to your situation. For a better idea of what to expect during divorce steps and how to get ready, think about reading our article on "Going through Child Custody in Mississippi: What You Need to Know