Child custody and support in New Mexico

Custody of the Children In New Mexico

In the State of New Mexico, the general presumption is that joint legal custody would be in the best interests of most children. In this case, both parents are actively involved in making decisions regarding their children's raising and development. If there are disagreements as to how custody should be shared, the court will order mediation. If mediation fails, the court will decide on custody and keep the best interests of the child in mind.

New Mexico Child Support Guidelines

State-regulated child support guidelines apply in almost every case, barring exceptional circumstances. Gross income, child-rearing expenses and time that is spent in each parent’s home will be taken into consideration by the court when the child support obligation is calculated. Child support is continued through a child’s 18th birthday, and in some cases, it will extend through the end of the child’s secondary education.