Mississippi calculates child support using statewide guidelines that start with each parent’s gross income and apply a formula based on the number of children and custody arrangements. Courts will consider wages, salaries, bonuses, retirement income, and certain other income sources when determining the baseline amount. Judges also factor in allowable deductions and may adjust the calculation to account for health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and parenting time. Having organized income documentation and recent tax returns helps produce an accurate calculation. When special circumstances exist, such as significant educational expenses, medical needs, or irregular income, the court may consider deviations from the guideline amount. Presenting clear evidence of these circumstances is important to support a deviation request. In Amory, preparing payroll records, tax transcripts, and bills for extraordinary costs gives the judge the context needed to set an order that meets the child’s needs while reflecting parental capacity to pay.