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In recent developments in Mississippi family law, the state has made significant changes to its child custody and visitation laws. These updates aim to better protect the rights of parents and ensure that the best interests of the child are prioritized in custody battles. One of the key changes in the updated laws pertains to joint custody arrangements. Previously, joint custody was only granted in cases where both parents agreed to it. However, the new laws now allow judges to order joint custody even if one parent objects, as long as it is deemed to be in the child's best interests. This change is aimed at promoting more equitable custody arrangements and minimizing potential conflicts between parents.Additionally, the new laws also address the issue of visitation rights for non-custodial parents. In the past, non-custodial parents often faced barriers to maintaining regular contact with their children, particularly in cases where the custodial parent was uncooperative. The updated laws now include provisions that require custodial parents to facilitate visitation and communication between the child and the non-custodial parent, unless there are valid reasons for restricting such contact.Furthermore, the new laws also emphasize the importance of considering the child's preferences when determining custody arrangements. While the child's wishes were previously taken into account, the updated laws now require judges to give more weight to the child's preferences, particularly in cases involving older children who are capable of expressing their opinions.Overall, these updates to Mississippi family law represent a positive step towards ensuring that the welfare of children is at the forefront of custody and visitation decisions. By prioritizing the best interests of the child, the state is working towards promoting healthy and stable family relationships in cases of separation or divorce.