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Common Child Custody Schedules

By Bob Matteucci
Attorney

Custody is never a pleasant matter when parents get divorced. It is, however, an essential one. To ensure that you get fair custody considerations, you should contact a qualified New Mexico family law attorney to assist you.

With the right legal counsel, you can be sure to get the representation you need to see your child on a regular basis. Read on to learn more about New Mexico child custody schedules and how they affect you and your child. 

Custody Laws in New Mexico

When establishing a guardianship schedule for visitation in New Mexico, it is important to understand the state’s laws to establish a schedule that the court is accepting of New Mexico’s laws regarding visitation and child custody are available via New Mexico’s State Statutes Notes.

Once you understand the legislation, you should have a good idea of what the court expects. This will help in developing a legally compliant child visitation schedule, which will greatly improve your chances of success in a child custody battle. 

Furthermore, it’s also important to discuss parent bias, which is relevant in some states. In domestic and child custody cases involving visitation or child custody, New Mexico will not show favoritism toward one parent based on their gender.

In fact, both parents are regarded as the child’s natural guardians. Moreover, both parents have the legal right to raise the child.

Keep this in mind as you create your child’s visitation schedule. You don’t want the court to reject or change your schedule. The timetable should be set up in a way that offers your child the appropriate time to be with each parent.

Typical Custody Awards

The official position of New Mexico is that children benefit from the lives of both parents, and joint custody is the preferred guardianship arrangement.

In fact, at the beginning of the child guardianship process, the court may order a temporary guardianship agreement granting you both joint guardianship (NMSA § 40-4-9.1A), unless there is evidence that the joint guardianship arrangement is harmful to the child, such as neglect or abuse.

Joint custody means that parents share the legal responsibility for raising children and making important decisions involving children. Traditionally, this also meant that every parent had a child at least 35% of the time in the year.

Throughout the process, you will have the opportunity to agree to or challenge your child’s custody, and the court will consider the child’s best interests before making a final decision.

Secure Legal Counsel Today

When you have a good understanding of New Mexico child custody laws, you can proceed to seek legal counsel in confidence. At the end of the day, what’s most important is setting up a schedule that’s in the best interest of the child or children.

Your attorney can assist you in making sure you follow the proper channels in making this happen. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you can complete this essential step. Contact Bob Matteucci today for a free consultation.

About the Author
Bob Matteucci is a board certified family law specialist, with a statewide practice in the area of divorce and family law.