Custody

If the judge (chancellor) finds that the other parent committed domestic or family violence, they will only allow that parent to visit if it’s safe for you and your child. To help make that happen, the chancellor can include some conditions in their order.

These are some of the things that could be ordered to protect you and your child:

• exchanges will only happen in a safe place;
• no overnight visits;
• supervised visits only, and if supervision costs money, the abuser will pay a fee to help cover it;
• the abuser must complete a batterers’ intervention program or another type of counseling before the visits can start;
• the abuser cannot drink alcohol or use drugs during visits and for the 24 hours before a visit starts;
• the abuser must pay a bond for the safe return of your child;
• your or your child’s address must be kept confidential; or
• any other condition that the chancellor believes is necessary to keep you, your child, or another family or household member safe.¹

The chancellor will decide which specific conditions to order based on the facts of your case.

¹ Miss. Code § 93-5-24(9)(d)