Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico

Re: mentally ill person a wife who will not get help

One path is a guardianship/conservatorship, which is sort of complex. You could also get an emergency commitment with the help of a physician or psychologist. You could also call Law Access New Mexico 18003409771 for free advice if you qualify. Generally the question will be whether she is so mentally ill that she is dangerous to herself or others.

If it's just your opinion that she's mentally ill and you have no professional evaluation you won't get far. If a psychologist of other professional has been treating her you may confer with that person for an opinion on whether her situation is such you could get a guardianship or emergency commitment. Consult an attorney in any event because it would be tough to navigate this forest without one.

The sad truth is that often mentally ill people drift around the dark corners of our society and the streets until they end up in jail, where they can get some treatment if they're lucky. It's worth saving her if you can but it can very hard if she doesn't cooperate.