DIY Divorce

As a family law attorney, one of the most common questions I get asked from my friends and family is, “Do you have to have an attorney for a divorce or custody case?”  And the answer is: it depends! Part of answering this question is to help people understand that lawyers can assist you in a number of different ways. … Read More

Understanding child custody rights when going through a divorce

sad boy crying custody issues

Often the most stressful aspects of divorce for people who have children is custody and visitation.  Here are some general principles to keep in mind if you find yourself in this type of situation. New Mexico law presumes it is in the best interest of a child to have a strong relationship with both parents, if possible. For that reason, … Read More

Legal Custody v. Physical Custody

Mother and two children walking in New Mexico open space

If you are involved in a custody proceeding in New Mexico, you will most likely hear the terms “legal custody” and “physical custody”. These two terms mean completely different things, are not interchangeable, and are often not explained in court. What is legal custody in New Mexico? Legal custody involves the decision-making power for your child. New Mexico has a … Read More

How Divorce Can Affect Your Finances Later in Life

Older man and woman sitting on a bench by the beach

Divorce is generally a tumultuous time, no matter when it occurs. Financial issues are a common cause of strain during the divorce process, from how resources will be divided to alimony or childcare payments and which assets are included in the calculations. But you may be surprised to learn that those who divorce after the age of 50 are in … Read More

What Is Co-Parenting and Why Is It Important?

Co-parenting is when two parents, who are not in a relationship, share the parenting duties for their child. Joint legal custody is very common in New Mexico, and this means both parents must communicate and work together to make joint decisions for their child. The parents must agree on everything, such as: changing the child’s pediatrician, switching which school the … Read More

Get Along With Your Ex for Your Kids’ Sake

Break-ups are hard, even more so if children are involved. Maybe you and your husband or wife of 15 years just separated, or you and your long-term partner just broke up, or you just got out of a volatile relationship. Regardless of the situation, if you have children together, you will be tied to this person until your children are … Read More

5 Things to Know Before Your Initial Appointment with a Divorce Attorney

You or your spouse may have decided to initiate divorce and now you are getting ready to meet with your divorce attorney. It can be a daunting process and it certainly can be stressful. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when meeting with your divorce attorney for the first time. Has a case already been filed? If … Read More

Alternative Dispute Resolution and Divorce

The Ugly There are many unflattering descriptions of the divorce process: “Knock down/drag out”, “scorched earth”, fight to the death”, “battle” and so on. Sadly, many divorces live up to these pejorative terms. Former partners fight for months or years. Unlike most lawsuits which occur between strangers, divorces or custody battles involve intimate partners who were once in love and living … Read More

Moving to a New State Can Get Complicated

Posted on July 5, 2016 by The Arc. To read the original article, please click HERE.  By Wendy H. Sheinberg, CELA written for The Arc in partnership with the Special Needs Alliance.  Moving to another state is a challenge for most families. If a family member has disabilities, that challenge is even greater. State benefit programs vary, and states administer federal programs at … Read More