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The Diverse Workload of a Family Law Attorney

Family law is a fascinating practice area in which attorneys experience a wide range of complex situations and work closely with their clients to achieve outcomes that prioritize their health, financial security and happiness. The issues that occur in families are often deeply personal and can be complex. A family law attorney’s role is to […]

How Domestic Violence Affects Custody Outcomes

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects the safety and well-being of more than 30% of New Mexico residents every year [1], and it is one that the courts take extremely seriously. Reports of domestic violence in a relationship can significantly increase the complexity of child custody proceedings as protecting the best interest of […]

Can Disproving Biological Paternity Nullify Custody Agreements?

When a relationship breaks down and the trust is gone, a couple facing divorce may begin to question the very foundations of their relationship. In some cases, they may actively seek validation for their decision to leave. If either party has been unfaithful in the past, some may question whether the children they have raised […]

How to Get Sole Custody and When to Pursue it

Very few issues in the field of family law are as emotional as child custody. Parents who are divorcing often have concerns about child custody, and some question the ability of their partner to care for their children by themselves. This tends to be where the topic of sole custody is raised, and while it […]

Same-sex divorce – Challenges and rights

Same-sex marriage became legal in New Mexico in December 2013, affording same-sex couples the same rights to marry and divorce as their heterosexual counterparts. The marriage and divorce process is the same for same-sex and heterosexual couples in the state, following the same legal procedure and requiring the same legal documentation. However, there are some […]

Why women tend to initiate divorce proceedings

Getting married is a big step that requires a significant commitment from both parties. For some women, the reality of marriage can be overwhelming, and this is reflected in startling new statistics that show that in heterosexual marriages, women are the instigators of nearly 70 percent of divorces in the US[1]. There are many reasons […]

Understanding parental responsibility for a minor’s willful misconduct

Willful misconduct is the deliberate act of causing harm or damage to other people or their property. This includes but is not limited to assault, theft and vandalism. When such acts are performed by a minor, under New Mexico law, the parents or custodial guardians of the offender are held accountable for their actions [1]. […]

Navigating Paternity Rights in Same-Sex Couples

New Mexico is known for its inclusive legal culture, particularly when it comes to same-sex marriages and family life in the LGBTQ+ community. One area in which nuances may arise is that of paternity in same-sex couples. Here is some guidance for families seeking clarity in this complex area of law. What is paternity? The […]

Dealing with indivisible property during a divorce

New Mexico is a community property state, which means that the overall value of both assets and debts incurred by a couple while legally married will be divided equally between them upon divorce. Some property, however, can be considered indivisible and must be handled separately, which means that some assets will be divided fairly but […]

Interesting facts and figures related to second marriages in New Mexico

Research shows that approximately 90% of adults in Western cultures will marry by the time that they are 50 years old [1]. Yet statistically, half of first-time marriages will end in divorce. Divorce is a costly and emotionally complex process that many people want to avoid at all costs, so it is interesting to note […]