What You Need to Know About Child Support in New Mexico
When children are involved in a divorce, the divorce process is always a bit more complicated. Child support is typically a consideration for individuals with children who are undergoing divorce. Child support involves one parent making payments to the parent with the majority of physical custody.
Federal law requires all states to create guidelines regarding child support. In accordance with these laws, New Mexico has established guidelines for individuals seeking child support. This guide will answer many questions commonly linked to child support.
What Is a Child Support Order?
New Mexico’s child support stipulations include expenses for everything from basic expenses like food, clothing, and rent to insurance (auto, health, and dental). Parents are required to cover expenses linked to education, transportation, and work-related childcare. Child support may also cover long-distance visitation.
Generally, child support is in place until a child is 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Child support orders also end if the child passes away, gets married, or joins the military. If a child is disabled and unable to become a self-sufficient adult, support may go on until the child’s death.
In cases involving children who go to college, parents may come to an agreement on their own to include in a court order. The court does not require parents to cover any portion of college expenses for children over the age of 18.
Ultimately, New Mexico uses a formula to determine the appropriate amount of child support to include in the order.
When Does the Court Establish a Child Support Order?
Divorce isn’t the only reason for a child support order. If the child’s parents were not married, one of the parents may petition for support through the New Mexico Human Services Department. The judge may then issue an order based on court proceedings and after establishing paternity of the child.
What Factors Does the Court Consider in Child Support?
Child support considers a variety of factors, and no two cases are exactly alike. The first consideration is physical custody, followed by the gross income of the parents. Then the court considers any special needs. In some occasions, the judge will consider cost of living.
What Happens If an Individual Is Not Paying?
New Mexico has specific laws regarding what happens if an individual is not paying child support. For instance, some cases may involve automatic deductions from a paycheck. Payments will be routed to the Child Support Enforcement Division and then to the receiving parent and child.
New Mexico does not look kindly on parents who quit their job, purposefully get fired, or move to lower paying jobs in an effort to evade child support payments. In these cases, the court does not lower support.
Individuals who have not paid child support in years past may have to make amends. The statute of limitations for New Mexico child support is 14 years, but the court may determine if an individual needs to continue making payments.
Some people flee the state or even the country to avoid paying child support. While moving can make collection more difficult, the federal laws require that each state recognize the child support agreements of other states. Many countries even have reciprocal child support arrangements across borders.
Keep in mind that child support and visitation are two separate issues. Failure to pay child support does not negate the parent’s right to see their child.
Do You Need an Attorney for Child Support Cases?
While you do not necessarily need an attorney to come to court for child support, you certainly should hire one. You want a professional to represent your rights and the right of your child in court.
Need help with child support in New Mexico? Call the Law Offices of Lynda Latta, LLC, today to set up a consultation with a team that cares about your case.
Comments (16)
Nathan Tamporello
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If my divorce decree states child support until my child turns 18 , Do I have to continue to pay until she graduates school?
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please contact our office to speak with an attorney. We offer one free telephone consult to answer any questions you may have.
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Falena Puerto
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I’d like to File for child support and would like to see if your office can help with that or if I can get any further legal consultation in the matter thank you
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Cynthia Jurado
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I have nm child support helping me to get child support. I was unaware of a existing court order that he was to pay child support. I never received those orders. 2016 it was ordered. I’m trying to get the child support. There telling me I have to have a court order to inforce the court order? What are my rights what can I do?
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 and ask for your one free telephone consult. Our attorneys will answer these questions for you.
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Anthony portio
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I am paying back child support because my wife was getting cash assistance while we were together and I did not know this and years later the child support hit me up for the money back now I am in debt like 45,000 I can’t get a good job or my license and the thing is my kids live with majority of the time my kids are 24 and 21 now and I’m still paying jobs back child support is there something I can say or do or take this back to court and get it dropped if my kids testified that they live with me more than they live with their mom I’m not asking for child support from her or nothing I just want my job so I can live my life and get a career and be there for my grandchildren and my kids
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 for your one free consult over the phone.
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Anthony
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I owe child support iin new mexico here’s the thing out of the blue I get a bill from child support saying I owe thousands I’ve never took blood test or my name is not even on birth certificate. My license got taken what are my options. Thank you for your time
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 for your one free consult over the phone.
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David
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I got a part time job. The csea automatically applied deductions from this job. I am paying automatically from both jobs. This is a mistake on their part. Can I get refunded.
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 for your free consult over the phone.
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David
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I got a part time job at Home Depot. The csea automatically applied deductions from this job. They are taking more than half my check. It is a part time job. I am supposed to pay 598.00 a month i am now paying this amount from both jobs. I am paying automatically from both jobs. This is a mistake on their part. Can I get refunded? I can’t believe this I was notified after they charged.
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Lupe Holguin
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My son is 27 however his father who was court ordered still owes over $120,000 in child support. Can I still collect if my son is now 27 years old? If so how can I go about it
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 for your one free telephone consult with an attorney that can answer all your questions.
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Hayley
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I desperately need assistance legally with my child custody case and it is a some what complex case please help 5759520896
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Law Offices Of Lynda Latta
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Please call our office at 505-842-5924 for your one free telephone consult with an attorney that can answer all your questions.
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