Legal Question in Family Law in Mississippi
Child Custody/Legal Protection
I left NY City and came to Mississippi to get away from my abusive husband. I have a 7 year old child in the middle. What can I do to get custody/legal protection from this abusive man? He threatens to come and take my son from school by any means. Can he do this without a court order or by some legal means in MS? I plan to stay in Mississippi and file for divorce. Thanks.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Child Custody/Legal Protection
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act generally requires any custody matter to be filed in the child's home State. Usually, the home state is where the child has resided for the last six-months. It seems you need a protection order as well. So you need to consult an attorney and possibly a family counselor to help you find other ways to reduce the risk of abuse.
Re: Child Custody/Legal Protection
Once you and the child have lived in the state of mississippi for 6 months, the state has jurisdiction to handle you matter. Once the 6 months is up, contact a family lawyer to draft the necessary paperwork.
Let me know if I may be of additional assistance.
Good luck.