Co-Parenting in Mississippi

17 verified resources.

About Co-Parenting for Fathers

Co-parenting programs help separated and divorced parents share custody constructively, minimize conflict, and raise children across two households. Most states require court-ordered parent education (often called 'parenting classes' or 'children first' programs) before finalizing a divorce or custody order involving minor children. These classes are usually four to six hours, available online or in person, and cost 5–$75. Private co-parenting mediation is available through court-based mediation programs (often free or sliding-scale) and through private mediators certified by state mediation councils. Digital tools like OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses provide court-admissible communication logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and messaging — many family courts now encourage or require their use in high-conflict cases. This directory includes all three: state-required classes, mediators, and co-parenting apps.

Co-Parenting in Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

17 Resources

1. Mississippi Courts – Parenting Plan Resources — Free

Official court guidance and sample parenting plan information for families navigating custody and visitation under Mississippi law. Available 24/7 online. Fathers working on a parenting plan with the other parent, a mediator, or an attorney can use these materials to understand typical schedule options, holiday rotations, decision-making, and exchange logistics. Resources are informational only and do not replace individual legal advice.

24/7 online

2. Hinds County Mediation Services — Free

Court-connected mediation for custody, visitation, and co-parenting disputes filed through the Hinds County Chancery Court in Jackson. Located at 316 S President St and open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court, or seeking voluntary mediation before filing, should bring photo ID and any existing orders. Mediators help parents negotiate parenting plans without needing a contested trial when possible.

601-968-6508 · 316 S President St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Harrison County Mediation — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes on the Gulf Coast, typically offered through the Harrison County Chancery Court in Gulfport. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court or seeking voluntary mediation can contact the clerk's office for scheduling. Bring photo ID and copies of any existing orders. Mediators help parents work out parenting plans without a contested trial.

228-865-4036 · Gulfport, MS 39501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. MSU Extension – Family Programs — Free

Research-based parenting and family programs from Mississippi State University Extension, including classes, workshops, and online resources on co-parenting, child development, and family finances. Headquartered in Mississippi State and open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can access programming through county Extension offices statewide. Many classes are free or low-cost and useful both in and out of custody cases.

662-325-3150 · Mississippi State, MS 39762 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Mississippi Children's Trust Fund — Free

Statewide nonprofit funding and promoting evidence-based programs that strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect across Mississippi. Office at 3825 Ridgewood Rd #100 in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can use the website to find local grantee programs offering parenting classes, home visiting, and family support. Staff can direct callers to services in their county and age-appropriate programming.

601-718-4029 · 3825 Ridgewood Rd #100, Jackson, MS 39211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. DeSoto County Mediation — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes in DeSoto County, typically through the Chancery Court in Hernando. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can ask the clerk or their attorney about court-referred mediation before a contested hearing. Bring photo ID and any existing orders to sessions. Mediation often helps parents settle disputes, avoid trial, and stabilize the schedule for children.

662-469-8356 · Hernando, MS 38632 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Families First – Jackson — Paid

Central Mississippi nonprofit offering family counseling, parenting education, and co-parenting support through group and individual programs based in Jackson. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can call for intake and program availability. Services may include court-referred parenting classes, couples and family counseling, and skill-building workshops. Bring photo ID and, if court-ordered, any referral paperwork to intake.

601-948-4725 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Lee County Mediation Services — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes in the Tupelo and Lee County area, often connected to the Lee County Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court, or seeking voluntary mediation before filing, can contact the clerk for scheduling. Bring photo ID and copies of any existing orders. Mediation can help avoid a contested trial and reach workable parenting plans.

662-841-9100 · Tupelo, MS 38801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Rankin County Mediation Services — Free

Court-connected mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes filed through the Rankin County Chancery Court in Brandon. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court, or considering voluntary mediation before a contested hearing, can contact the clerk for scheduling. Bring photo ID and copies of any existing orders. Mediators help parents negotiate parenting plans outside of trial.

601-825-1469 · Brandon, MS 39042 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Forrest County Mediation — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes in Hattiesburg and Forrest County, typically coordinated through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can ask the clerk or their attorney about mediation before or during a contested case. Bring photo ID and any existing orders or filings. Mediation often helps parents reach workable parenting plans without the time and cost of trial.

601-545-6014 · Hattiesburg, MS 39401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Lauderdale County Mediation — Free

Family mediation for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes in Meridian and Lauderdale County, typically through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court, or seeking voluntary mediation before filing, can ask the clerk's office or their attorney about scheduling. Bring photo ID and any existing orders. Mediators help parents reach a parenting plan without a contested trial.

601-482-9714 · Meridian, MS 39301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Jackson County Mediation — Free

Co-parenting and family mediation services for Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, and surrounding Jackson County communities, typically through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can ask the clerk or their attorney about court-referred mediation. Bring photo ID and any existing orders to sessions. Mediators help parents negotiate parenting plans and avoid contested hearings when possible.

228-769-3089 · Pascagoula, MS 39567 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Parents as Teachers – Mississippi — Free

Evidence-based home visiting program supporting parents with children from prenatal through kindergarten, focusing on early childhood development, parenting skills, and family well-being. Affiliates across Mississippi; state line open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can enroll alongside their partner or as primary caregivers. Home visitors provide age-appropriate activities, developmental screenings, and connections to local community resources.

601-359-3513 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Mississippi Dispute Resolution Center — Free

Statewide resource offering mediation and dispute resolution services for family matters including co-parenting, custody, and visitation disagreements. Based at 450 High St in Jackson and open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can call for referrals to trained mediators in their area or information about the mediation process. Bring photo ID and any existing orders to sessions. Mediation can reduce court time and conflict for families.

601-960-9581 · 450 High St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Warren County Mediation — Free

Co-parenting and family mediation services for Vicksburg and Warren County, typically coordinated through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can ask the clerk or their attorney about court-referred or voluntary mediation before a contested hearing. Bring photo ID and copies of any existing orders. Mediators help parents negotiate workable parenting plans and avoid the expense of a trial when possible.

601-636-4415 · Vicksburg, MS 39183 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

16. Lowndes County Mediation — Free

Family mediation services for co-parenting, custody, and visitation disputes in the Columbus and Lowndes County area, usually coordinated through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can ask the clerk or their attorney about mediation before or during a contested case. Bring photo ID and any existing orders. Mediators help parents build parenting plans and reduce the need for contested hearings.

662-329-5800 · Columbus, MS 39701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

17. Madison County Mediation — Free

Family mediation and co-parenting services for Canton, Madison, Ridgeland, and surrounding Madison County, typically coordinated through the Chancery Court. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers referred by the court, or exploring voluntary mediation, can contact the clerk or their attorney for scheduling. Bring photo ID and any existing orders to sessions. Mediation helps parents settle disputes without a contested trial.

601-855-5500 · Canton, MS 39046 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Co-Parenting — Common Questions

Is a parenting class required for divorce?
In most states, yes — a short court-approved co-parenting course (4–6 hours, 5–$75, often online) is required before any divorce or custody order involving minor children is finalized. Check your state court's approved provider list.
What's the difference between mediation and court?
Mediation is a confidential negotiation with a neutral third party helping both parents agree on a parenting plan. It's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. If mediation fails or one parent refuses, the court decides. Court-based mediation programs are usually free or sliding-scale.
Which co-parenting apps do courts accept?
OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, and 2Houses are court-admissible in most US jurisdictions. They provide tamper-proof message logs, shared calendars, expense tracking, and documentation judges will read if conflict escalates.
What is a parenting plan?
A written document (required in every custody order) detailing where the child lives, when each parent has parenting time, how decisions are made, how holidays are handled, how to resolve disputes, and how to handle changes. Courts provide templates; customized plans are stronger than boilerplate.