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Child custody and support in New Mexico

Custody and child support in a New Mexico divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

New Mexico law uses the term “custody and time-sharing (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: The judge may order both parents to attend a parent education workshop (NM Courts divorce page). New Mexico publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody and time-sharing (parenting plan)
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
New Mexico Health Care Authority, Child Support Services Division

Custody terms in New Mexico

Custody and time-sharing (parenting plan)

Mediation

In some districts you may be required to try mediation if you can't agree on custody (NM Courts divorce page).

Parenting class in New Mexico

The judge may order both parents to attend a parent education workshop (NM Courts divorce page).

Child support in New Mexico

Child support follows New Mexico's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a New Mexico divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use New Mexico's term for custody: custody and time-sharing (parenting plan).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if New Mexico requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in New Mexico

What is child custody called in New Mexico?

New Mexico uses the term “custody and time-sharing (parenting plan)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a New Mexico divorce?

The judge may order both parents to attend a parent education workshop (NM Courts divorce page).

Is there an official child support calculator for New Mexico?

Yes. New Mexico's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in New Mexico?

New Mexico Health Care Authority, Child Support Services Division.

Is mediation required for custody in New Mexico?

In some districts you may be required to try mediation if you can't agree on custody (NM Courts divorce page).

More about divorce in New Mexico

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.