Jones County has two judicial districts. If you reside in the 1st District (Ellisville area), you file at the Ellisville Chancery Court, 101 N Court St. If you reside in the 2nd District (Laurel area), you file at the Laurel Chancery Court, 415 N 5th Ave. Your residence determines which courthouse hears your divorce case. We guide you through the entire chancery court process at either location.
- Jones County has two chancery courts: Laurel (415 N 5th Ave) and Ellisville (101 N Court St)
- Your residence determines whether you file in the 1st or 2nd Judicial District
- Uncontested divorces take 90-120 days; contested cases may take 6+ months
- We regularly appear at both chancery courthouses
- We serve Laurel, Ellisville, Sandersville, Soso, Moselle, and all of Jones County
Expert Representation in Both Jones County Judicial Districts
Divorce is one of life's most challenging decisions, and navigating the Jones County court system requires an attorney who understands both judicial districts. Jones County is unique: the 1st Judicial District courts are in Ellisville, and the 2nd Judicial District courts are in Laurel. Where you file depends on where you live. For over 45 years, Lowrey, Fortner, & Miri P.A. has represented families throughout Jones County, from Laurel and Ellisville to Sandersville, Soso, and Moselle. We are located just 30 minutes up I-59 from Laurel in Hattiesburg.
The two chancery courts, Laurel Chancery Court at 415 N 5th Ave and Ellisville Chancery Court at 101 N Court St, are where all family law matters are resolved. We appear regularly at both courthouses and understand the process inside and out. We are here to protect your rights and your family's future, regardless of which district your case is filed in.
How Divorce Works in Jones County
Understanding the Jones County chancery court process helps you prepare for what lies ahead. The process is similar at both the Laurel and Ellisville chancery courts.
Your attorney identifies whether you reside in the 1st District (Ellisville) or 2nd District (Laurel). This determines which chancery court has jurisdiction and where you will file your divorce.
Your attorney prepares and files your Complaint for Divorce with the appropriate chancery clerk at either the Laurel or Ellisville courthouse. 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 appropriate chancery court to decide immediate issues: custody, visitation, use of the family home, and temporary support. These 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.
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 Chancery Courts That Serve Jones County
415 N 5th Ave, Laurel, MS. Serves the 2nd Judicial District. Handles all family law matters: divorce, custody, child support, alimony, adoption, estates, and guardianships. A chancellor presides over all cases.
101 N Court St, Ellisville, MS. Serves the 1st Judicial District. Handles all family law matters: divorce, custody, child support, alimony, adoption, and estates. A chancellor presides over all cases.
317 S Magnolia St, Laurel, MS. Handles city ordinance violations and municipal misdemeanors. Not used for divorce or family law matters.
Your Jones 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.
Strong defense representation at both Laurel and Ellisville criminal courts.
Expert representation in neighboring Lamar County family law matters.
What Families Say About Our Team
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“Excellent service and communication. I will recommend to everyone I know needing legal services. Shawn and Sarah are top notch.”
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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 Jones County Divorce
Which courthouse do I file for divorce in Jones County, Laurel or Ellisville?
Jones County has two judicial districts. If you reside in the 1st District (Ellisville area), your divorce is filed at the Ellisville Chancery Court, 101 N Court St. If you reside in the 2nd District (Laurel area), your divorce is filed at the Laurel Chancery Court, 415 N 5th Ave. Your residence determines which courthouse hears your case. Our attorneys help you determine your proper venue.
Where is the Laurel Chancery Court located?
The Laurel Chancery Court is located at 415 N 5th Ave, Laurel, MS. This courthouse handles divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and adoption cases for residents of the 2nd Judicial District. It is approximately 30 minutes down I-59 from Hattiesburg, where our office is located.
Where is the Ellisville Chancery Court located?
The Ellisville Chancery Court is located at 101 N Court St, Ellisville, MS. This courthouse serves the 1st Judicial District and handles all family law matters including divorce, custody, support, and adoption. If you reside in the Ellisville area, your case will be filed and decided at this location.
Do Hattiesburg divorce attorneys handle Jones County cases?
Yes. Although our office is based in Hattiesburg, we regularly represent clients in Jones County at both the Laurel and Ellisville chancery courts. Jones County is conveniently located just 30 minutes down I-59 from Hattiesburg, making it practical for our firm to serve Laurel, Ellisville, Sandersville, Soso, Moselle, and all of Jones County.
How long does a Jones County divorce take?
An uncontested divorce in Jones County typically takes 90 to 120 days due to Mississippi's mandatory 90-day waiting period. Contested divorces may take 6 months to over a year, depending on complexity, discovery, and the chancellor's trial schedule at either the Laurel or Ellisville courthouse.
What is an uncontested divorce in Jones County?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues: property division, custody, child support, and alimony. Both the Laurel and Ellisville chancery courts handle uncontested divorces quickly, typically 90 to 120 days. This is the fastest and most cost-effective path to divorce in Jones County.
Can I get child custody and child support in the same Jones County divorce case?
Yes. The Jones County Chancery Court, whether Laurel or Ellisville, depending on your residence, determines child custody and awards child support in the same divorce decree. The chancellor uses the best interests of the child standard and Mississippi's income-based child support guidelines when deciding both custody and support amounts.
How is residence determined in Jones County for filing purposes?
Your domicile (residence) in the 1st Judicial District (Ellisville area) or 2nd Judicial District (Laurel area) determines which chancery court hears your case. If you are uncertain which district you are in, our attorneys can help you determine the correct courthouse and venue for your divorce.
Are Jones County divorce records public?
Yes, divorce records filed in the Jones County Chancery Court are public record. However, both the Laurel and Ellisville chancery courts can restrict access to sensitive information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and details related to minor children's safety.
What service areas do you serve for Jones County divorces?
We serve Laurel, Ellisville, Sandersville, Soso, Moselle, and all of Jones County. Our office is located at 525 Corinne Street in Hattiesburg, approximately 30 minutes up I-59 from Laurel. We appear regularly at both the Laurel Chancery Court (415 N 5th Ave) and Ellisville Chancery Court (101 N Court St).
What is the process for filing for divorce in Jones County?
The process is similar at both the Laurel and Ellisville chancery courts. Your attorney prepares and files your Complaint for Divorce with the appropriate chancery clerk. Your spouse must be served with the complaint and summons. A return date is set for the initial hearing before the chancellor. If uncontested, the case may proceed to final decree after 90 days.
Do I need a lawyer for my Jones County divorce?
While not required, hiring an experienced Jones County divorce attorney is strongly recommended. The chancery court process is complex, and representing yourself at the Laurel or Ellisville courthouse can lead to costly mistakes. Our attorneys protect your rights, ensure proper filing, and advocate effectively during hearings and trial.
How much does a Jones County divorce cost?
The cost 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 filed in either the Laurel or Ellisville Chancery Court, and hourly representation for contested cases.
What if my spouse and I live in different Jones County districts?
If you and your spouse live in different judicial districts within Jones County, one in the 1st District (Ellisville) and one in the 2nd District (Laurel), the case is typically filed in the district where the defendant (responding spouse) resides. Our attorneys handle the venue rules and ensure your case is filed in the proper chancery court.