Albuquerque Child Custody Attorneys

Several variables can affect the outcome of child custody cases. Family courts may consider various factors to determine child custody arrangements, such as:

• The child’s best interests
• The wishes of both parents
• The child’s current living situation
• Mental and physical health of all parties
• The quality of the co-parenting relationship
• Any history of substance abuse or domestic abuse
• The child’s personal preference (for those over 14)
• The quality of the relationships between children, parents, and siblings
• The willingness of each parent to accept childcare responsibilities
• The child’s level of emotional well-being and social adjustment
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs
• The geographic distance between parents

If the parents cannot reach an agreement, the child custody case will likely become more complex, expensive, and time-consuming, making it crucial to have a trusted lawyer on your side. The court may appoint a separate attorney or social worker to advocate for the child’s best interests and make recommendations to the judge.

At Batley Riley Family Law, we understand that child custody disputes can be emotionally charged and have long-lasting effects on the entire family, which is why we prioritize open communication and collaboration to address your unique needs. Our attorneys bring decades of experience to every case, giving you peace of mind that your child’s future is in trusted hands.

The timeframe for child custody cases depends on their complexity and the ability of both parties to reach an agreement. Uncontested cases may take weeks to resolve, while contested ones can take months.

At Batley Riley Family Law, we aim to reach custody resolutions efficiently while protecting your parental rights at every step. No matter your legal situation, you can trust us to prioritize the best interests of your family.

While child custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has for their child, timesharing refers specifically to the schedule that outlines when the child spends time with each parent. Put simply, timesharing is the practical implementation of physical custody.

At Batley Riley Family Law, we take a multidisciplinary approach to pursue favorable resolutions in complex custody and timesharing cases. Our firm partners with professionals in various disciplines to provide comprehensive and individualized legal strategies for our clients.

Grandparents in New Mexico can seek custody or visitation rights under certain circumstances. Under NM Stat. § 40-9-2, a grandparent may be granted visitation if it is in the best interest of the child and one of the following applies: one parent is deceased, the parents are divorced or legally separated, or the child has lived with the grandparent for an extended period.

Grandparents may petition for custody if they have been the child’s primary caregiver or if both parents are deemed unfit. Courts will always prioritize what serves the child’s best interest when making these decisions. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of these legal complexities to advocate for your best interests in family court.

If your co-parent violates the terms of your custody agreement, they may held in contempt of court. Our attorneys can help you file a motion that requests the court to enforce the terms of your parenting plan and impose potential penalties. These may include fines, rescheduling visitation, or custody modifications in extreme cases (such as repeated violations).

It depends. Children’s preferences regrading custody may be considered if the court deems it age-appropriate. This typically applies to children who are at least 14 years old. However, the ultimate decision rests with the court and is based on the child’s best interests.