Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico
I may be looking at separating from my family. I would to know my rights as a father with established paternity. What are my rights concerning custody? What are my obligations concerning child support? What options do I have of i need to fight for custody or visitation rights?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Default rule is joint custody with a parenting plan that provides for time-sharing in living arrangements depending on the age of the child, or visitation by one parent if primary physical custody is given to the other. Actual details of the arrangement will be negotiated or possibly mandated by court after mediation or investigation by experts. Child support is owed by both parents according to a schedule set by statute that is available in an on-line spreadsheet. Get an attorney if you can, and help your spouse get one to work out the details in the best way. Trying to work it out with your spouse ahead of time is the best policy if possible. If you can't afford an attorney go to http://www.nmcourts.gov/forms.aspx for forms, including guides to filling them out.