privateadoption.orgState overview
Mississippi
A few of the basics in Mississippi, in plain words. Tap a card to read it in full with its official source.
A Mississippi court has jurisdiction if, for example, the child lived in Mississippi for six months before filing (or from soon after birth if under six months old), or the prospective adoptive parent lived here six months, or a Mississippi-licensed agency placed the child and there is a significant connection. A person living outside Mississippi may adopt only if the ICPC has been followed.
Miss. Code Ann. 93-17-3(1),(6) (Official code, LexisNexis free public access) · as of 2026-10-21
The home study may be done by a licensed adoption agency, a licensed, experienced social worker approved by the chancery court, a court-appointed guardian ad litem with home study training if the court directs, or the Department of Child Protection Services if required. For a court-ordered home study the court imposes a fee of at least $350 per household.
Miss. Code Ann. 93-17-3(5); 93-17-11(1); 93-17-12 (Official code, LexisNexis free public access) · as of 2026-10-21
No putative father registry was found in the Mississippi adoption chapter. Instead, the statute makes the parents parties by consent or by process. A man alleged or claiming to be the father of a child born out of wedlock may file a petition for determination of rights before the adoption, to decide whether he is the natural father.
Miss. Code Ann. 93-17-5(1),(3); 93-17-6(1),(3) (Official code, LexisNexis free public access) · as of 2026-10-21
The adoption is by sworn petition in chancery court in the county where the petitioners live, where the child lives, was born, or was found if abandoned, or where the home that received the surrendered child is located. Clerks docket adoption cases as priority cases.
Miss. Code Ann. 93-17-3(4),(10) (Official code, LexisNexis free public access) · as of 2026-10-21
Who to ask
These entries describe what Mississippi law and agencies say. For what they mean for your family, ask an adoption attorney licensed in Mississippi.
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