Mississippi uses statutory guidelines based primarily on gross income and parenting time to calculate child support. The court begins with combined parental income, then applies the guideline formula to determine a base obligation. Adjustments account for childcare, health insurance premiums, and other child-related expenses. Courts may deviate from guideline amounts when specific circumstances warrant, but any deviation must be justified and documented. Having accurate pay stubs, recent tax returns, and records of recurring expenses helps ensure calculations reflect real financial situations. When preparing for a calculation in Shelby, gather recent pay statements, year-to-date income records, and proof of regular expenses like childcare and medical premiums. If one parent has variable income or self-employment earnings, additional documentation such as profit and loss statements and business expense records will be necessary. Presenting a complete financial picture supports a fair guideline calculation and reduces the risk of later disputes over omitted income or expenses.