Family Law & Divorce

Hattiesburg Family Law & Divorce Lawyers

Face Divorce and Other Decisions With Confidence

At Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC, we understand how stressful and emotionally draining family law cases can be. We are committed to helping you through this process and will work tirelessly to help you reach a resolution that is favorable to your best interests. When you find yourself wondering if divorce is the best choice or how you will fight to get your child back, turn to a firm with 60 years of combined experience and discover your legal options.

Our firm takes pride in fostering a supportive environment where your concerns are heard and addressed with empathy and professionalism. We understand that every family is unique, which is why we develop personalized strategies that are as distinct as your individual circumstances. Whether it's crafting a co-parenting plan or negotiating spousal support, our divorce lawyers ensure that your goals remain at the forefront of every decision.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact our Hattiesburg family law and divorce lawyers today at (601) 202-8570.

Family Law Matters We Handle

Reduce the risk that you'll miss an opportunity to protect your rights. Trust the attorneys at Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC to provide you with accurate advice, prompt service, and reliable customer service whenever you call.

Our firm handles a wide range of family law cases, including:

  • Divorce
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Modifications

No matter what type of family law issue you are facing, we can help. We understand the stress and anxiety that these situations can cause, and we are here to help you work through these issues. Let us help you move forward with your life through your divorce. Get help fighting for custody, property rights, and alimony.

Dedicated Support Throughout Your Legal Changes

You don't have to walk into a courtroom alone. You also don't have to let a judge make all of the decisions for you. With our dedicated, professional help, you'll get answers to your questions and support throughout the process. 

Trust Johnson, Ratliff & Waide, PLLC for aggressive legal representation. You can make the best decisions for any legal situation affecting your life, including DUI or misdemeanor charges. We are also dedicated to helping our clients avoid litigation whenever possible. We are skilled negotiators who are adept at helping our clients reach mutually beneficial resolutions to their matters.

Call our Hattiesburg family law and divorce attorneys at (601) 202-8570 today for competitive prices.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, habitual drunkenness or drug use, incurable insanity, and cruel and inhuman treatment.

Typically, demonstrating these grounds requires thorough documentation and legal acumen. Our firm assists clients in compiling necessary evidence and navigating the complexities of proving legal grounds, ensuring a well-founded and persuasive presentation.

How Is Child Custody Determined in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors such as the child's age, health, and relationship with each parent.

We help our clients compile and present evidence that reinforces their ability to provide a nurturing and stable environment. Moreover, we work towards formulating parenting plans that emphasize the importance of both parents' involvement in the child's life whenever feasible.

What Factors Are Considered When Calculating Child Support?

In Mississippi, the factors considered when calculating child support include the income of both parents, the number of children, and the child's needs.

Ensuring a fair calculation also means considering special needs or extracurricular activities that might not be immediately apparent. By thoroughly understanding your financial landscape, we work to create child support agreements that honor your child's lifestyle and future prospects.

Can Alimony Be Modified?

Yes, alimony can be modified in certain circumstances. If there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or financial needs, a court may modify the alimony order.

These modifications can be complex, as they require a substantial shift in financial circumstances or need. We provide comprehensive evaluations of financial situations to substantiate the necessity of an alimony modification.

What Is the Difference Between Legal Custody and Physical Custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing, such as education and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis.

Clarity in custody arrangements helps prevent disputes; therefore, our legal team ensures that both types of custody are clearly delineated in agreements, fostering smoother co-parenting dynamics.

How Can Mediation Help in Family Law Disputes?

Mediation serves as a powerful tool in settling family law disputes without court intervention. It involves a neutral third party who assists the conflicting parties in reaching a mutually agreeable solution. In Hattiesburg, mediation is often encouraged as it promotes cooperative problem-solving and preserves relationships.

Our firm advocates for mediation as a cost-effective and less adversarial means compared to traditional litigation. We prepare our clients thoroughly, ensuring they understand each phase of the mediation process and its potential outcomes. Through mediation, our clients often find more peaceable resolutions to issues like child custody arrangements, the division of assets, and post-divorce modifications. Whether it’s used as an initial step or a final attempt to resolve a complex conflict, mediation can be a critical pathway to achieving harmonious results that respect both parties' interests.

Why Choose Our firm?

What Makes Us Different
  • Multi-Practice Legal Services
    Our firm is committed to helping you navigate a variety of legal matters across multiple practice areas.
  • Thousands of Clients Helped
    Since its opening in 2000, our firm has successfully helped thousands of clients get the justice they deserve.
  • A Proven Record of Results
    Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of injury throughout the state of Mississippi.
  • Experience You Can Count On
    With over 60 years of combined experience, we know how to fight for the results you need.
Take Your next step Contact Us To Get Started on Your Case Today