Forrest County divorces are filed and decided at the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building in downtown Hattiesburg. A chancellor, not a jury, hears all family law cases, deciding issues like property division, custody, and support. We guide you through every step from filing with the Chancery Clerk to final decree.
- All Forrest County divorces are heard before a chancellor in chancery court
- File your complaint with the Chancery Clerk at Paul B. Johnson Building on Main Street
- Uncontested divorces take 90-120 days; contested cases may take 6+ months
- Temporary orders address custody, support, and property during the case
- We serve Hattiesburg, Petal, Brooklyn, Rawls Springs, and rural Forrest County
Experienced Forrest County Family Law Representation
Divorce is one of life's most challenging decisions, and navigating the Forrest County Chancery Court system requires an attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the human dimensions of family law. For over 45 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has represented families throughout Forrest County, from Hattiesburg's downtown core to Petal, Brooklyn, Rawls Springs, and rural areas of the county.
The Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building in downtown Hattiesburg is where all family law matters, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and adoption, are resolved. Our office is minutes away, and we understand the county's chancery process inside and out. We are here to protect your rights and your family's future.
How Divorce Works in Forrest County
Understanding the Forrest County chancery court process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. Here is the typical timeline for a divorce at the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building.
Your attorney prepares and files your Complaint for Divorce with the Chancery Clerk at the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building. You pay court filing fees and receive a docket number and return date.
Your spouse must be properly served with the complaint and summons. Service can be by sheriff, certified mail, or by agreement. Once served, your spouse has time to respond to the court.
Early in the case, the chancellor holds a temporary hearing at the chancery court to decide immediate issues: custody, visitation, use of the family home, and temporary support. These temporary orders remain in effect until the final decree.
Both sides exchange financial documents and information. Many cases settle during negotiation. Our attorneys work to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting your interests and your children's welfare.
If settlement is reached, your attorney submits the agreed judgment to the chancellor for approval. If the case goes to trial, the chancellor hears evidence and decides all remaining issues.
The chancellor issues a Final Decree of Divorce that divides property, awards custody, determines support obligations, and finalizes the divorce. This decree becomes part of the public record at the chancery court.
The Courts That Serve Forrest County
Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building, Main Street, Hattiesburg. Handles all family law: divorce, custody, child support, alimony, adoption, estates, and guardianships. A chancellor presides over all cases.
630 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Handles state felony trials and civil suits. Family law matters do not go to circuit court; they remain in chancery court.
700 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Handles misdemeanors and small civil claims under $100,000. Not used for divorce or custody matters.
Your Forrest County Divorce Team
Related Family Law Services
Comprehensive family law services including divorce, custody, support, and more.
Fast, affordable divorce when both spouses agree on all major issues.
Update custody orders when circumstances change significantly.
Expert guidance on temporary and permanent spousal support.
Serving the Hattiesburg community with personalized divorce representation.
Protecting your parental rights and your children's best interests.
What Families Say About Our Team
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“KJ Miri is the best family law attorney in the Hattiesburg area. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and hard working. She truly has her clients’ and their children’s best interests in mind.”
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“Highly recommend KJ Miri! She was upfront and honest with me during the entire process, and fought for what was best for my child! Her office has a very good response time and does not leave you waiting for a reply!”
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Reviews are from actual clients on Google and Avvo. Every case is different, prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forrest County Divorce
Where is the Forrest County Chancery Court located?
The Forrest County Chancery Court is located in the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building on Main Street in downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This is where all divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and adoption cases in Forrest County are filed and decided.
Who hears divorce cases in Forrest County?
Divorce cases in Forrest County are heard by a chancellor, not a jury. The chancellor is a judicial officer who decides all family law matters including divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and property division. Chancellors are appointed and have extensive experience in family law.
How do I file for divorce in Forrest County?
To file for divorce in Forrest County, you must file your Complaint for Divorce with the Chancery Clerk's office at the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building in Hattiesburg. The Chancery Clerk will assign your case a docket number and set a return date for your initial hearing.
What is a temporary order in a Forrest County divorce?
A temporary order is issued early in a Forrest County divorce case to address immediate needs such as child custody, visitation, child support, alimony, and use of the family home during the pendency of the divorce. The chancellor holds a temporary hearing to determine these provisions while the case is ongoing.
What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce in Forrest County?
In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all issues including property division, custody, support, and alimony. A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree, requiring the chancellor to hear evidence and decide the disputed issues. Uncontested divorces move faster through the Forrest County Chancery Court.
How long does a Forrest County divorce take?
An uncontested divorce in Forrest County typically takes 90 to 120 days due to Mississippi's mandatory 90-day waiting period. A contested divorce may take 6 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of discovery, the number of temporary hearings, and the chancellor's trial schedule.
What happens during a temporary hearing in Forrest County Chancery Court?
At a temporary hearing at the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building, both spouses present evidence to the chancellor regarding immediate custody, visitation, support, and possession of assets and property. The chancellor issues temporary orders that remain in effect until the final divorce decree is entered.
What is the discovery process in a Forrest County divorce?
Discovery is the process where both sides exchange financial documents, property information, and other evidence relevant to the divorce. In Forrest County, discovery is conducted under Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and is overseen by the Chancery Clerk and the chancellor to ensure both parties have complete information before trial.
Can I get child custody and support in Forrest County?
Yes. The Forrest County Chancery Court determines child custody using the best interests of the child standard and awards child support under Mississippi's income-based guidelines. The chancellor considers each parent's income, custody arrangement, and the child's needs when deciding support amounts.
Are Forrest County divorce records public?
Yes, divorce records filed in the Forrest County Chancery Court are public record. However, the Chancery Clerk can restrict access to certain sensitive information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information related to minor children's safety.
What service areas do you serve for Forrest County divorces?
We serve Hattiesburg, Petal, Brooklyn, Rawls Springs, and all of rural Forrest County. Our office is located at 525 Corinne Street in Hattiesburg, minutes from the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Court Building, making it convenient for all your divorce and family law matters.
Do I need a lawyer for my Forrest County divorce?
While not required, hiring an experienced Forrest County divorce attorney is strongly recommended. The chancery court process is complex, and a knowledgeable attorney can protect your rights, ensure proper filing with the Chancery Clerk, advocate effectively during temporary hearings, and negotiate favorable settlements.
How much does a Forrest County divorce cost?
The cost of a Forrest County divorce varies based on complexity. Court filing fees are modest, typically under $300. Attorney fees depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. We offer transparent, flat-fee options for uncontested divorces and hourly representation for contested cases.
What if my spouse lives outside of Forrest County?
If your spouse resides in a different county in Mississippi, you may still file in Forrest County if you are domiciled here. If your spouse is outside Mississippi, Forrest County courts may still have jurisdiction under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and similar long-arm statutes.