Mississippi Access and Visitation Program (MAVP) is a neutral third party who:
- Can assist in establishing parenting agreements and or schedules through voluntary or court-ordered mediation,
- Encourages the noncustodial parents to pay their court-ordered Child Support Obligation,
- Aids custodial parents in following their court-ordered Visitation Schedule,
- Provides parent education processes to establish legal parenting time opportunities.
What Services are Provided?
MEDIATION
includes working with both parents to develop a peaceful resolution to visitation disputes. Whether voluntary or court-ordered resolutions are designed to increase non-custodial parents’ time with their children. Mediations can be done virtually, telephonically, in person, or at the courthouse.
DEVELOPMENT OF PARENTING PLANS
Mississippi Access and Visitation Program assists parents who have a child support case with voluntary agreements and visitation schedules. SOV Sample Guidelines (PDF)
NON-THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING
Mississippi Access & Visitation Program helps parents focus on the best interests of their child(ren) and incorporate mutual co-parenting skills into their interactions with each other.
PARENT EDUCATION
offers Pro Se Litigation and Pro Se Petition to Cite for Contempt litigation paperwork and information about the court process necessary in establishing a legal visitation order or to go back to Court on an existing order.
Who is eligible?
Individuals interested in participating in MAVP services, must both live in the state of Mississippi and should have a child support case.
To apply for our services, please:
- Fill out the MAVP application (PDF).
- When complete – Click on the SEND link and your application will be sent directly to Mississippi Access and Visitation Program (MAVP)
- MAVP staff will
- Process your application
- Determine your eligibility for services
- Contact you to discuss your case and/or
- Send you the appropriate Pro Se paperwork
- Or you may contact MAVP at:
- Email: mavp@mdhs.ms.gov
- Applications can be mailed to:
MS Access and Visitation Program
P O Box 352
Jackson, MS 39205
- Phone: 1-800-590-0818 Fax: 601-359-4370
Pro Se Litigation
The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) cannot represent either party in establishing visitation or custody rights. If you do not have a divorce decree or a court-ordered visitation, Pro Se litigation may be an option for you to get a visitation order signed by a Judge.
Pro Se means you will represent yourself in court without the assistance of an attorney. You would be responsible for completing and filing all legal forms with the courts.
If you have a divorce decree or an existing visitation order, and you are having problems or unresolved issues with visiting your child, Pro Se Petition to Cite for Contempt litigation is available for you to petition the court when you do not have an attorney. You would be responsible for completing and filing all legal forms with the courts. Click on the following Pro Se Petition to Cite for Contempt packet link: