Accomplished Santa Fe Lawyer Addresses Complex Domestic Issues

New Mexico advocate handles a wide variety of family law matters

If you are contemplating divorce or have related legal issues, an experienced attorney can greatly benefit your case. At Caroline Bass, Attorney at Law in Santa Fe, I represent clients in Northern New Mexico in many types of family law issues. Whether you are seeking a mediated divorce, enforcement of a child custody order or an appropriate resolution to a delinquency case, I have decades of experience and will determine your strongest options.

What is the legal effect of getting divorced?

At its core, divorce is the difficult process of untangling a shared life. Legally, divorce terminates spousal rights and divides everything acquired during the marriage. If there are children stemming from the marriage, this means creating a child custody plan and determining child support where necessary, dividing marital assets and debts and, in some cases, establishing alimony. Divorce triggers a lot of issues, and I will help you pursue fair terms as you start the next chapter of your life.

When can you modify or enforce a child support order?

The enforcement and modification of child support obligations require legal action. Parents who do not pay what they owe in child support could face wage garnishment, liens on assets and revocation of professional and/or driver’s licenses. To change a child support order, a parent must show a significant change in income, an adjustment in the child’s needs or the amount of time the child spends with each parent. Child support is an important matter, and I will fight for your interests in any enforcement or modification proceeding.

How do courts evaluate child custody issues?

Child custody in New Mexico involves designating legal custody and physical custody/visitation. Legal custody is a parent’s right to make major decisions for the child. Physical custody/visitation is the amount of time the child is under a parent’s care, which varies by case. Protecting your parental rights is essential, and I will work to reach a resolution that creates a positive environment for your son or daughter and maintains your parent-child bond.

When is mediation appropriate?

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that allows you to settle your case in less time and at a lower cost than litigation. In a mediation proceeding, I act as a neutral third party and facilitate discussions between spouses, guiding them towards an agreement that benefits the both of them. If there is a willingness to compromise and a desire to resolve your issues outside a public courtroom, this option may be a good choice.

How the law views juvenile delinquency and dependency cases

In most cases, children who violate the law enter the juvenile justice system rather than face criminal charges as an adult would. Special child advocates are appointed to represent the child’s interests and are tasked with ensuring that the court fully understands the child’s circumstances so appropriate decisions can be made. These cases are sensitive and complex, and I will be an advocate for your child.

Contact a responsive New Mexico law firm to schedule a free consultation

At Caroline Bass, Attorney at Law, I represent clients throughout Northern New Mexico in a range of family law matters. Please call 505-309-0109 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation at my Santa Fe office.