T. Augustus Claus Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 28, 2023

In New Mexico, filing for abandonment might be an option if your ex-husband has had no contact with your daughter for an extended period. Generally, abandonment is defined as the deliberate act of relinquishing all rights and claims to a child. Legal requirements may vary, so it's important to... View More

James L. Arrasmith Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 2, 2023

If you believe that the guardians have received a significant financial gain as a result of their temporary kinship guardianship and have not used these funds appropriately, there are several steps you can take.

Firstly, you may want to consider contacting a lawyer who can advise you on... View More

Generally, a statis conference is just what it sounds like. The new judge likely wants to find out what is happening in the case and which of the prior filings still need to be resolved. The new judge might also want to actually schedule additional hearings. A status conference is usually... View More

If your son has been back in Colorado for less than 6 months, New Mexico courts will have jurisdiction over the custody issues. If he has lived in Colorado for 6 months or more this time, the Colorado courts will have jurisdiction.

You are in a difficult situation. If the parent owing support is imprisoned, then obtaining child support is usually not feasible. Some states will reduce child support to $0 during incarceration, others will allow the monthly balance to accrue at the monthly amount creating a potentially large... View More

The answer to this question is one rooted in NM law, unfortunately. As you would be attempting to assume custody of the child in NM, you will need to consult with a lawyer there regarding a possible emergency petition for temporary custody and guardianship. That said, it is highly unlikely that... View More

I'm sorry to hear about that. You've got a pretty complicated issue you may be better off going directly to an attorney and having a private consult with them. I'm not sure you're going to get useful answers to your situation in a forum such as this.

Hello,

Unfortunately, you have stated you are represented by counsel and it would therefore be unethical to comment as per ABA Rule 4.2.

First, you should respond to whatever motion he filed against you. Then you should file a motion for custody and request a hearing. When you get your hearing setting, prepare for the hearing by reviewing the state statutes, court procedure and local rules.

Hello,

I am sorry to hear of your situation.

Dealing with a State Agency on Tribal Lands can be a complex situation. Today many tribes have entered into Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA) with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) of the State as it pertains to the... View More

You would have to petition the court for full custody and request a hearing. New Mexico requires that a child support worksheet be filed with any parenting plan/custody order, however either party may deviate upwards or downwards with respect to what is owed under certain circumstances.

She can petition the court for custody yes. The court will look to see what is in the best interest of your child to determine what sort of custody and timeshare schedule there will be. They will take into account all surrounding circumstances, including your rehabilitation stay.

If I understand the question correctly, you are wondering if your kiddo's father can get custody to get out of paying child support. Your daughter's father can always petition the court for custody. The court looks to what is in the best interest of the child to determine what type of... View More

It really depends on what you lost custody for in the first place. Most courts in New Mexico are all for reunification, however if custody was lost due to drugs, neglect or abuse, you have a long road ahead of you. It also depends on if CYFD has been involved, whether or not they have substantiated... View More

If you have issues with a Guardian ad Litem, you should raise them with the Court that appointed the GAL. You can do this by filing a motion with the Court.

Unless they have some type of court order grandparent rights, custody, or guardianship, I don't see anyway they could prevent you from leaving the state with your son. I would recommend contacting an attorney to discuss the matter further if they are threatening to file some kind of legal action.

It is possible you could get primary custody and still get child support. As far as terminating his rights completely, if you do that the Court may still order child support. Terminating rights completely is difficult however, I would recommend you speak to an attorney to discuss all of your... View More

You have the absolute right to put a motion in to have custody modified based on what is in your child's best interests. I would recommend you contact an attorney to discus your options.

Given that you are the only biological parent remaining, you should be able to do so however since the grandmother is not giving the child willingly to you, you will likely need to take her to court and get a Court Order requiring her to give you the child. I recommend contacting an attorney in... View More

To change the terms on which you can see your son, you will have to file a motion to modify custody with the Court. You should describe in the motion what circumstances have changed. The Court may hear your motion or refer you for other services first.