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 60-90 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
Served with divorce or custody papers in Forrest County? Do not ignore them and do not sign anything. A divorce complaint gives you 30 days from service to answer. A Rule 4(i) summons names a hearing date instead: 30 days out for a custody or support action, and as soon as seven days out for temporary relief, modification, enforcement, or contempt. Call Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri at (601) 582-5015, and read our guide to being served with divorce or custody papers in Mississippi.
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. Since 1980, 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 is usually by sheriff or process server, or by first-class mail if the other party signs and returns an acknowledgment form; certified mail is allowed only when the other party is outside Mississippi, and in an agreed case the other party can instead sign a written waiver of process after the case is filed. 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 up to $3,500. 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.
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Update custody orders when circumstances change significantly.
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.
A plain guide to the divorce process in chancery court, from filing to final decree.
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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 elected judges.
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 assigns your case a docket number; your spouse then has 30 days after service to answer a divorce complaint.
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 60 to 90 days due to Mississippi's mandatory 60-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 supervised by the chancellor so that 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 a separate cost paid to the chancery clerk. Attorney fees depend on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Call (601) 582-5015 to discuss your situation and what your divorce would cost.
What if my spouse lives outside of Forrest County?
If your spouse lives in another Mississippi county, an irreconcilable differences complaint can be filed in Forrest County, but a fault complaint generally must be filed where your spouse lives, or in Forrest County only if you both lived here when you separated and you still do (§ 93-5-11). 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.