Many people assume that short-term marriages, such as those lasting less than 5 years, mean quick and simple divorces with minimal legal and financial consequences. However, even in Mississippi, short-term unions can lead to complicated legal issues that affect your finances, property rights, and future wellbeing. Regardless of the duration of your marriage, whether it lasted 18 months or 5 years, understanding how Mississippi law deals with divorce is crucial to protecting your interests.

No Such Thing as a “Simple” Divorce in Mississippi

Mississippi recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces. In a no-fault divorce, both spouses agree to all terms based on “irreconcilable differences.” While this may seem straightforward for shorter marriages, complications can arise over property division, debts, and even temporary spousal support, especially if one spouse has sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage.

In cases based on fault, such as those involving adultery, habitual cruel or inhuman treatment, or desertion, the length of the marriage does not shield you from scrutiny. In fact, evidence of misconduct during a short marriage can still influence court decisions regarding alimony, attorney’s fees, and even the distribution of property.

Equitable Distribution Applies—Even in Brief Marriages

Mississippi follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly, regardless of how long the marriage lasted. This includes any assets acquired during the marriage, even if one spouse paid for them.

For example, a car purchased during the first six months of a marriage is likely to be considered marital property. Retirement contributions made during this time, even if they were made over a short period, are also subject to division. Joint bank accounts, furniture, and even wedding gifts can be considered shared assets in a divorce case.

Separate property, such as inheritances or assets acquired prior to marriage, remains your own – but only if it hasn’t been mixed with matrimonial funds. For instance, depositing an inheritance into a joint account might convert it into marital property.

Alimony Is Possible—Even After a Short Marriage

While permanent alimony is rarely awarded in short-term marriages, courts in Mississippi may award rehabilitative or lump-sum alimony if one spouse is facing economic hardship due to divorce. For instance, if one partner has relocated, lost a job, or incurred debt to support the household during marriage, a judge may order temporary support to help them regain financial stability.

Under Mississippi Code § 93-5-23, judges take into account factors such as income disparity, health, and each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, even if those contributions were made over a short period of time.

The 60-Day Waiting Period Still Applies

Even in uncontested divorces based on irreconcilable differences in Mississippi, the law requires a mandatory 60-day cooling-off period before a final decision can be made. This waiting period applies regardless of how long the marriage lasted and gives both parties time to reflect on and resolve any lingering issues.

If children are involved, even in a short-term marriage, the court will require a parenting plan addressing issues such as custody, visitation, and child support. These issues are never considered “minor” in the eyes of the law.

Why Legal Guidance Matters—No Matter How Brief the Marriage

At Gregory D. Keenum PA, we have first-hand experience of how assumptions about “quick divorces” can lead to costly mistakes. With almost 49 years of service to clients in Booneville and across North Mississippi, our firm understands that every divorce, regardless of length, deserves careful legal attention.

Whether you’re dealing with joint debts, protecting assets before marriage, or negotiating a settlement, our lawyers provide personalized strategies based on Mississippi law. We can help you avoid common mistakes like:

• Unintentionally waiving your rights to property.
• Overlooking the tax implications of transferring assets.
• Accepting terms that seem fair at the time, but could cause problems later.

Contact Gregory D. Keenum, PA today. Let our decades of local experience ensure that your rights are protected and that your fresh start is built on a strong legal foundation.