Mississippi Code

Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of July 2026

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For purposes of this chapter, unless a different meaning is plainly expressed by the context, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Abandonment" means any conduct by the parent, whether consisting of a single incident or actions over an extended period of time, that evinces a settled purpose to relinquish all parental claims and responsibilities to the child. Abandonment may be established by showing:
- (i) For a child who is under three (3) years of age on the date that the petition for termination of parental rights was filed, that the parent has deliberately made no contact with the child for six (6) months;
- (ii) For a child who is three (3) years of age or older on the date that the petition for termination of parental rights was filed, that the parent has deliberately made no contact with the child for at least one (1) year;
- (iii) If the child is under six (6) years of age, that the parent has exposed the child in any highway, street, field, outhouse, or elsewhere with the intent to wholly abandon the child; or
- (iv) If the parent gives possession of the child to an emergency medical services provider pursuant to Sections 43-15-201 et seq.

(b) "Child" means a person under eighteen (18) years of age.

(c) "Court" means the court having jurisdiction under the Mississippi Termination of Parental Rights Law.

(d) "Desertion" means:
- (i) Any conduct by the parent over an extended period of time that demonstrates a willful neglect or refusal to provide for the support and maintenance of the child; or
- (ii) That the parent has not demonstrated, within a reasonable period of time after the birth of the child, a full commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood.

(e) "Home" means any charitable or religious corporation or organization or the superintendent or head of the charitable or religious corporation or organization organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi, any public authority to which has been granted the power to provide care for or procure the adoption of children by any Mississippi statute, and any association or institution engaged in placing children for adoption on July 1, 1955.

(f) "Interested person" means any person related to the child by consanguinity or affinity, a custodian or legal guardian of the child, a guardian ad litem representing the child's best interests, or an attorney representing the child's preferences under Rule 13 of the Uniform Rules of Youth Court Practice.

(g) "Minor parent" means any parent under twenty-one (21) years of age.

(h) "Parent" means a natural or adoptive parent of the child.

(i) "Permanency outcome" means achieving a permanent or long-term custodial arrangement for the custody and care of the child that ends the supervision of the Department of Child Protection Services.

(j) "Qualified health professional" means a licensed or certified professional who is engaged in the delivery of health services and who meets all applicable federal or state requirements to provide professional services.

(k) "Qualified mental health professional" means a person with at least a master's degree in mental health or a related field and who has either a professional license or a Department of Mental Health credential as a mental health therapist.

(l) "Reunification" means the restoration of the parent's custodial rights in providing for the safety and welfare of the child which ends the supervision of the Department of Child Protection Services.

Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 518, HB 1318,§ 7, eff. 4/19/2023.

Amended by Laws, 2017, ch. 372, SB 2342, 1, eff. 3/20/2017.

Added by Laws, 2016, ch. 431, HB 1240, 3, eff. 4/18/2016.

Former §§ 93-15-103 through 93-15-111 were repealed by Laws, 2016, ch. 431, HB 1240,§ 23, eff. 4/18/2016.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 133 cases (9 in the last 5 years), 1982–2025 · leading case: Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016).

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Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 46× “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

JCNF v. Stone Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 996 So. 2d 762 (Miss. 2008). · cites it 50× “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(h) (Rev.2004).”

In re the Adoption of a Minor Child, 931 So. 2d 566 (Miss. 2006). · cites it 38× “The statute quoted in Barnett as being Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (h) actually appears in the most current version of the Miss.”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 84× “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

In Re Marriage of Leverock & Hamby, 23 So. 3d 424 (Miss. 2009). · cites it 18× “In refusing to terminate the father's parental rights, the chancellor referenced Mississippi Code Section 93-15-103 [1] , which addresses adoption, not custody, and provides, in relevant part, that: (1) When a child has been removed from the home of its natural parents and…”

Blakeney v. McRee, 188 So. 3d 1154 (Miss. 2016). · cites it 22× “See Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103 *1164 (Rev.2013), Thus, to determine in a contested adoption case whether the natural parent has either abandoned or deserted the child, or is otherwise unfit to rear and train the child, the chancellor is free to consider, but was not required to…”

Frank Hartley, Jr. v. John D. Watts, 255 So. 3d 114 (Miss. 2017). · cites it 40× “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(f) (Rev. 2013) (emphasis added).”

Jimmy Ray Chism, Jr. v. Abby Gale Morris Chism Bright, 152 So. 3d 318 (Miss. 2014). · cites it 18× “” But neither the chancellor nor the Court of Appeals addressed subsection (1) of Section 93-15-103, which sets out three prerequisites that must be met before the court may invoke any specific *323 ground for termination.”

Vance v. Lincoln Cnty. DPW, 582 So. 2d 414 (Miss. 1991). · cites it 14× “After making the requisite findings under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (Supp. 1987), the chancery court terminated Jacqueline Vance's parental rights as to *416 D.”

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). · cites it 14× “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

Srbr v. Harrison Cnty. Dhs, 798 So. 2d 437 (Miss. 2001). · cites it 17× “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103, under which this termination of parental rights case is brought, provides: Legal custody and guardianship by persons other than the parent as well as other permanent alternatives which end the supervision by the DHS should be considered as…”

Lauderdale Cnty. Dhs v. Thg, 614 So. 2d 377 (Miss. 1993). · cites it 14× “Several months later, upon the direction of the Youth Court, the Lauderdale County Department of Human Services initiated termination of parental rights proceedings pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Supp.”

Show all 133 citing cases →

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(1) — 23 cases

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

In Re Marriage of Leverock & Hamby, 23 So. 3d 424 (Miss. 2009). “In refusing to terminate the father's parental rights, the chancellor referenced Mississippi Code Section 93-15-103 [1] , which addresses adoption, not custody, and provides, in relevant part, that: (1) When a child has been removed from the home of its natural parents and…”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

Jimmy Ray Chism, Jr. v. Abby Gale Morris Chism Bright, 152 So. 3d 318 (Miss. 2014). “” But neither the chancellor nor the Court of Appeals addressed subsection (1) of Section 93-15-103, which sets out three prerequisites that must be met before the court may invoke any specific *323 ground for termination.”

Frank Hartley, Jr. v. John D. Watts, 255 So. 3d 114 (Miss. 2017). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(f) (Rev. 2013) (emphasis added).”

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(2) — 15 cases

Adoption of D.N.T. v. R.D.H., 843 So. 2d 690 (Miss. 2003).

Adoption of JMM v. New Beginnings of Tupelo, Inc., 796 So. 2d 975 (Miss. 2001).

Beasnett v. Arledge, 934 So. 2d 345 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

In re the Adoption of a Minor Child, 931 So. 2d 566 (Miss. 2006). “The statute quoted in Barnett as being Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (h) actually appears in the most current version of the Miss.”

In Re Adoption of PBH, 787 So. 2d 1268 (Miss. 2001).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3) — 46 cases

JCNF v. Stone Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 996 So. 2d 762 (Miss. 2008). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(h) (Rev.2004).”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

A.B. v. Lauderdale Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 13 So. 3d 1263 (Miss. 2009).

Petit v. Holifield, 443 So. 2d 874 (Miss. 1984).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(a) — 4 cases

Bryant v. Cameron, 473 So. 2d 174 (Miss. 1985).

Beasnett v. Arledge, 934 So. 2d 345 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

G.M.R. v. H.E.S., 489 So. 2d 498 (Miss. 1986).

Gmr v. Hes, 489 So. 2d 498 (Miss. 1986).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(b) — 15 cases

K.D.G. v. Winston Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs. ex rel. Proctor, 68 So. 3d 748 (Miss. Ct. App. 2011).

B.S.G. v. J.E.H., 958 So. 2d 259 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

M.H. v. D.A., 17 So. 3d 610 (Miss. Ct. App. 2009).

In re A.M.A., 986 So. 2d 999 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

W.A.S. v. A.L.G., 949 So. 2d 31 (Miss. 2007).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(c) — 5 cases

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

Gunter v. Gray, 876 So. 2d 315 (Miss. 2004).

Brown v. Panola Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 90 So. 3d 662 (Miss. Ct. App. 2012).

Adams v. Tupelo Child.'s Mansion, Inc., 185 So. 3d 1070 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016).

Hdh v. Prentiss Co. Dhs Ex Rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(c)(1972) — 1 case

May v. Harrison Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 883 So. 2d 74 (Miss. 2004).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(d) — 5 cases

In Re S.T.M.M., 942 So. 2d 266 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

In Re Ama, 986 So. 2d 999 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

In Re Stmm, 942 So. 2d 266 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

Adams v. Tupelo Child.'s Mansion, Inc., 185 So. 3d 1070 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016).

In Re Cby, 936 So. 2d 974 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(d)(i) — 5 cases

JCNF v. Stone Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 996 So. 2d 762 (Miss. 2008). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(h) (Rev.2004).”

Lauderdale Cnty. Dhs v. Thg, 614 So. 2d 377 (Miss. 1993). “Several months later, upon the direction of the Youth Court, the Lauderdale County Department of Human Services initiated termination of parental rights proceedings pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Supp.”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

In the Interest of VR, 725 So. 2d 241 (Miss. 1998).

R.F. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 17 So. 3d 1133 (Miss. Ct. App. 2009).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(d)(i)(1994) — 1 case

In the Interest of VR, 725 So. 2d 241 (Miss. 1998).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(d)(ii) — 4 cases

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

Srbr v. Harrison Cnty. Dhs, 798 So. 2d 437 (Miss. 2001). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103, under which this termination of parental rights case is brought, provides: Legal custody and guardianship by persons other than the parent as well as other permanent alternatives which end the supervision by the DHS should be considered as…”

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

In Re Stmm, 942 So. 2d 266 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(e) — 9 cases

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

In re A.M.A., 986 So. 2d 999 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

Vance v. Lincoln Cnty. DPW, 582 So. 2d 414 (Miss. 1991). “After making the requisite findings under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (Supp. 1987), the chancery court terminated Jacqueline Vance's parental rights as to *416 D.”

M.L.B. v. S.L.J., 806 So. 2d 1023 (Miss. 2000).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(e)(1994) — 2 cases

M.L.B. v. S.L.J., 806 So. 2d 1023 (Miss. 2000).

Mlb v. Slj, 806 So. 2d 1023 (Miss. 2000).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(e)(i) — 5 cases

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

R.F. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 17 So. 3d 1133 (Miss. Ct. App. 2009).

Chism v. Bright, 152 So. 3d 324 (Miss. Ct. App. 2013).

A.B. v. Lauderdale Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 14 So. 3d 51 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(e)(ii) — 3 cases

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(f) — 19 cases

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

Blakeney v. McRee, 188 So. 3d 1154 (Miss. 2016). “See Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103 *1164 (Rev.2013), Thus, to determine in a contested adoption case whether the natural parent has either abandoned or deserted the child, or is otherwise unfit to rear and train the child, the chancellor is free to consider, but was not required to…”

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

JCNF v. Stone Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 996 So. 2d 762 (Miss. 2008). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(h) (Rev.2004).”

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(f)(1972) — 1 case

May v. Harrison Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 883 So. 2d 74 (Miss. 2004).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(g) — 1 case

Frank Hartley, Jr. v. John D. Watts, 255 So. 3d 114 (Miss. 2017). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(f) (Rev. 2013) (emphasis added).”

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(h) — 6 cases

JCNF v. Stone Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 996 So. 2d 762 (Miss. 2008). “Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(h) (Rev.2004).”

Hall v. Jackson Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 225 So. 3d 1220 (Miss. Ct. App. 2016). “” Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (1) (emphasis added).”

C.S.H. v. Lowndes Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 246 So. 3d 908 (Miss. Ct. App. 2018). “See Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103 (3)(d)(i) (Rev.”

In re A.M.A., 986 So. 2d 999 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

A.B. v. Lauderdale Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 13 So. 3d 1263 (Miss. 2009).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(3)(h)(1972) — 1 case

May v. Harrison Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs., 883 So. 2d 74 (Miss. 2004).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(4) — 11 cases

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(6) — 1 case

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(8)(b) — 1 case

Barnes v. McGee, 178 So. 3d 801 (Miss. Ct. App. 2013).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(a) — 2 cases

Heather Kresse Rogers v. Chad Kresse (Miss. Ct. App. 2023).

Michael Smith v. Katie Doe (Miss. Ct. App. 2021).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(a)(ii) — 2 cases

Heather Kresse Rogers v. Chad Kresse (Miss. Ct. App. 2023).

Michael Smith v. Katie Doe (Miss. Ct. App. 2021).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(b) — 1 case

In the Matter of the Adoption of M.R.H.: J.M.H. v. S.L.P. & A.P.; (Miss. Ct. App. 2020).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c) — 2 cases

GQA v. Harrison Cnty. Dept. of Human Servs., 771 So. 2d 331 (Miss. 2000). “Miss.Code Ann. § 93-15-103(c). ¶ 18. The Family Court found by clear and convincing evidence that A.”

Hdh v. Prentiss Co. Dhs Ex Rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(d)(i) — 1 case

Haley Summers v. Patrick Gros & Sherry Gros (Miss. 2021).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(e) — 3 cases

H.D.H. v. Prentiss Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs. ex rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

Hdh v. Prentiss Co. Dhs Ex Rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(g) — 4 cases

M.A. v. M.D., 928 So. 2d 197 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

H.D.H. v. Prentiss Cnty. Dep't of Human Servs. ex rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

Hdh v. Prentiss Co. Dhs Ex Rel. Malone, 979 So. 2d 6 (Miss. Ct. App. 2008).

In Re Bnn, 928 So. 2d 197 (Miss. Ct. App. 2006).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(h) — 4 cases

The Interest of S.A.M., 826 So. 2d 1266 (Miss. 2002).

Barnett v. Oathout, 883 So. 2d 563 (Miss. 2004).

In Re Sam, 826 So. 2d 1266 (Miss. 2002).

— Miss. Code Ann. § 93-15-103(l) — 1 case

In re A.M.A., 986 So. 2d 999 (Miss. Ct. App. 2007).

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