In the Best Interests of the Child
All parents want what is best for their children, but good parents can disagree on what that means. In the stress and decision-making that surrounds divorce and other family law matters, it can be difficult to determine the best interests of the child.
At The Family Law Firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we are here to help you and your children.
Child Custody and Parenting Time ∙ New Mexico
Contact us for a consultation ∙ 505.245.7200
Too often, parents and their families and friends can get caught up in the semantics of child custody, making the words used to describe the legal issues more important than the results. At our law firm, the family law attorneys will help you determine what is most important to you and what will work best for your family.
- Legal custody: In New Mexico, there is a presumption that there will be joint legal custody. Both parents will have the right to make decisions regarding residence, education, religion, medical treatment, extracurricular activities and other important matters.
- Primary physical custody, shared physical custody: If one parent has the children 65 percent or of more of the time, that is primary custody. It is often preferred simply because of school, friends and activities. Shared custody means each parent has the child 35 percent or more of the time.
- Parenting time, visitation: Depending on the needs of children and their parents, parenting time or visitation may be appropriate with one parent having primary custody and the other having frequently scheduled parenting time. As family and children needs change, you may need a modification of your custody order.
Talk to a child custody lawyer about what is best for your child. Child support is affected by the amount of time each parent spends with a child. Your lawyer can help you understand what that means in your particular case.
Our law firm represents parents throughout New Mexico as well as those who moved from the state after child custody was determined. Contact us to consult with an attorney who will focus on the best interests of your child.
