Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
New Mexico Parentage (Paternity) Lawyer
What Is Parentage in New Mexico?
Parentage refers to the legal determination of a parent-child relationship.
Establishing parentage allows a court to:
- Award custody and visitation
- Establish child support
- Recognize parental rights
Without legal parentage, a parent may not have enforceable rights.
How Parentage Is Established
Parentage may be established through:
- Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity
- Genetic testing
- Court proceedings
If parentage is disputed, the court may order DNA testing.
Rights and Responsibilities After Parentage Is Established
Once parentage is established, the court may address:
- Custody and parenting time
- Child support obligations
- Decision-making authority
“After parentage is established, custody and parenting plans are determined by the court.”
Parentage and Fathers’ Rights
Establishing parentage is often critical for fathers seeking:
- Custody or visitation rights
- Participation in major decisions affecting the child
- Legal recognition as a parent
Parentage and Child Support
Parentage proceedings frequently include child support determinations.
Courts calculate support based on:
- Income of both parents
- Time-sharing arrangements
- Child-related expenses
Disputed Parentage Cases
Some cases involve contested parentage.
Issues may include:
- Requests for genetic testing
- Conflicting claims of parentage
- Legal challenges to existing determinations
These cases require careful handling of both legal and evidentiary issues.
Common Situations in Parentage Cases
- Unmarried parents establishing rights
- Disputes over custody or visitation
- Child support enforcement
- Requests to modify existing orders
Serving Clients Throughout New Mexico
- Santa Fe
- Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho
- Las Cruces
- Los Alamos
- Taos
Schedule a Consultation
Parentage matters establish the legal foundation for custody and support.