I’m considering a separation or divorce, where do I start?
What are the different ways that I can get a divorce?
Every relationship is unique, and so is every divorce. In New Mexico, your options could include simple negotiations between the parties, formal meditation, collaborative divorce, and of course a fully contested courtroom divorce. Here are some of the differences:
- Negotiation: For many couples, just having an attorney involved can help iron out the details through skillful negotiations. This eliminates costly courtroom hearings and the emotion and drama that comes with it.
- Mediation: In a mediated divorce, a neutral third party (the mediator) works with both spouses to resolve issues and disputes in a divorce. At the close of a successful mediation, documents are drawn up to reflect these agreements. The mediator can be a lawyer, but doesn’t have to be. Whoever the mediator is, they are not permitted to give either party “legal advice”. Their job is to guide and assist the parties toward an agreement.
I’m already divorced and want to change the visitation schedule that I have with my children. How do I go about doing this?
We were never married and had children together. We broke up and now my “ex” is refusing to let me see the kids. What are my options?
My ex is getting remarried and wants to move to another state with the children. I don’t want to be so far from them. Do I have to agree to this?
I’m gay and have been in a committed relationship for years. We bought a house together and had a life. Now the relationship is over, but we never had a partnership agreement. What am I entitled to?
My ex filed an order of protection or restraining order against me and lied to the court to get the order. What can I do?
New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is investigating me and my family. How can I get some help?
My child is preventing me from seeing my grandchildren. Do I have any rights as a grandparent in New Mexico?
My child was involved in a school bullying situation. How can a lawyer help my family?
My son or daughter has been arrested. How do I find a good lawyer?
I need or am in the middle of a divorce and now there are allegations of abuse. Do I need a different attorney to handle the abuse charges?
I owned a house before I got married. Is my spouse entitled to part of this property if we divorce?
How long does a divorce take?
How much does a divorce cost?
It all depends on how willing the parties are to seek an agreement and how experienced your attorney is. Additionally, what you own (assets) and what you owe (debts or liabilities) can have an effect on the cost. Couples that own businesses and multiple properties are probably facing a more expensive divorce than couples with more modest assets and liabilities because it takes more time to sort out all of these issues. A good family law attorney should have many tools in their toolbox to help you through a divorce. They should be a highly skilled negotiator, expert problem-solver, and not fear the courtroom if that’s where you wind up. Not every attorney possesses all these skills. Some are great in the courtroom but aren’t good negotiators and vice versa. The presence or absence of these skills does impact your costs. If your attorney can expertly negotiate your divorce while reaching your goals without having to go to court, you can be sure that it will cost you less than resolving issues in front of a judge. But if there’s no avoiding a courtroom battle, you need a fighter and an advocate on your side – not a timid mouse.
When you interview an attorney, ask about each of these areas and get an opinion on what skills they’d rely upon to best represent your interests. At our law office, we will also provide you with an estimate on the costs and a plan of action.
What if my spouse handled all of the finances and I don’t know anything about them?
Do I have to go to court?
How do I arrange for a consultation to discuss my situation with a lawyer?
How do I pay?
Do you need help with a family law issue in Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Los Alamos, New Mexico?
Call the Law Office of Dorene A. Kuffer at 505-924-1000 and speak with a friendly member of our staff in complete confidence.