Child Support Lawyers Albuquerque

When it comes to a divorce or separation, fewer issues are more hotly contested than matters concerning child support. New Mexico courts will establish a series of rules and regulations that are to be followed by both parties. These rules govern:

Who pays the support
The amount to be paid
The schedule of payments

Payment of child support is usually paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. If you want a different arrangement or any changes to the court's decision, a family law attorney can help you get your voice heard in court.

Requesting Child Support

The average child support case is New Mexico will begin with the submission of an application to the Human Services Department. Otherwise, the order will be established by the court of law during a legal proceeding, such as a divorce. The amount to be paid is determined by a mathematical formula that takes a variety of factors into account. These factors include:

The child's needs
Gross Income of both parents
Who has physical custody

The gross income actually refers to the full income of an employed parent or the potential income of an unemployed parent. This means that the income affected can include:

Annuities
Bonuses
Capital Gains
Commissions
Disability Insurance Benefits
Dividends
Interest
Pensions
Prizes and Alimony
Salaries
Social Security Benefits
Tips
Trust Income
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Wages
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Severance Pay
All other items of value

A judge will then approve the amount and the matter will become legally binding for all parties involved.

The Basics of New Mexico Child Support

To begin, both parents are involved in determining how much child support is paid and to whom. The proceeding payments are then done in order to cover the child’s many basic needs, and any special ones they have. These expenses include:

Clothing
Communication
Child Care
Education
Transportation
Food
Insurance
- Health
- Dental
Medical Needs

The party that pays for child support may also need to pay for any expense that come with visitation or time-sharing. They will need to continue paying for child support until the child turns 18, 19 if they still attend high school. Child support will be indefinite if the child in question is unable to support themselves due to a disability that either affects them mentally or physically.

Penalties of Not Paying Child Support

If child support is not paid, then the offending party will be charged with contempt and the state of New Mexico will take action. The money will be taken in a variety of ways, the court could seize it from bank accounts, file a lien, lower tax refunds, or even garnish wages. The penalties increase over time, these include a warrant issued for arrest, fines, jail, loss of passport, suspension/revocation of various licenses, or a combination of all of these.

Legal Solutions of New Mexico Serve Clients in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Surrounding Areas

A child support attorney will work with you in family court to provide you with a chance to more effectively voice your opinion in court. We will overview the case and work to strengthen your side in order to increase your chances of reaching the outcome you desire. A child support lawyer will handle the many different matter of your case, which can be a key factor when it comes to family court. One mistake could make a huge difference in the New Mexico court of law, and we are here to keep your case organized and understandable. Please visit our Child Supoport FAQs for more information. Legal Solutions of New Mexico Attorneys of Law are here for you, and will fight for your rights today. Call Legal Solutions of New Mexico today.