Mississippi calculates child support using guideline tables that consider both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The process begins by determining gross income for each parent, including wages, overtime, bonuses, and other regular sources of income. Deductions and childcare or healthcare costs can then be incorporated to arrive at a baseline obligation. The court may consider deviation factors for extraordinary expenses, and accurate financial documentation is essential to ensure the guideline calculation reflects actual circumstances. Preparing documents such as pay stubs, recent tax returns, and records of expenses helps present a reliable calculation to the court. When parents have complex incomes, such as self-employment or irregular earnings, additional documentation like profit-and-loss statements is helpful. Establishing a clear financial record supports both initial orders and modification requests and helps judges apply the guidelines consistently in Wilkinson County.