Albuquerque, NM 87102
Closed on Weekends
Joint Custody: Judges in New Mexico typically award parents joint legal custody of their children after a couple divorces. The child custody attorneys at the Gentry Law Firm, can help you understand your rights and obligations concerning joint custody and child support in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you already reached a joint custody agreement and your circumstances have materially changed, you may request a modification in court.
In Family Court, judges award two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives parents the right to make decision about their child’s life. Joint legal custody means that both parents share the right to make important decisions about education, religion, health care and other important concerns. Currently joint legal custody—also called shared parenting—is present in all 50 states, including New Mexico.
Regardless of your custody arrangement, you and your spouse are expected to share the financial responsibility of raising your children. How much you pay often depends on who has primary physical custody of the children. If your children live with you most of the time, you are likely to receive child support from your former spouse; the opposite is true if your children live with your former spouse the majority of the time.
Anytime there is a change of circumstances concerning you or your child, you may petition to modify an existing child custody agreement. In child custody modification cases, you will need to show the Court that there has been a substantial change in circumstances related to the well-being of the children. Often times you should first attempt to solve this through mediation, but if an agreement cannot be reached, you will be required to follow a judge’s order.
Whether you need the services of an impartial divorce mediator or experienced child custody lawyer, the Gentry Law Firm, can help. We are certified family law specialists who bring years of experience to your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Albuquerque, New Mexico family law office.