Child Custody Attorney Albuquerque

An attorney that handles child custody cases in Albuquerque, New Mexico must be ready to handle the complexities of the custody system. To understand these complexities it is vital to see the process in which a child custody case in Albuquerque winds its way through the court system. A child custody case in Albuquerque will start with the filing of some sort of document with the court. This is called a pleading.

In the context of a child custody case in Albuquerque, an attorney will put in writing (in the pleading) the allegations that the court must consider and determine if they are true. Once the child custody attorney files the pleading it is “served” on the other party. This means that the other party is given a copy of what the child custody attorney filed with the court. After the pleading is served on the other party, the other party files a response to the allegations filed by the other parent in the context of the child custody case.

Once both parties have a time to file and respond the parties will undergo a time period known as discovery. Discovery in a child custody case takes many forms, but the goal of the discovery process is to gain information to either prove or disprove the allegations that were filed in the pleading. After a period of time when discovery has completed then the court will hold a hearing or a trial to listen to the evidence and decide what is in the best interests of the child.

The child custody case then is resolved when the judge makes a decision as to what is best for the child. This decision in a child custody case can take many forms such as giving custody to one or both parents. The court will then close the case. However, since child custody cases can be modified at any time before the child turns 18, it is important for parents to recognize that the child custody case is really never finished until the child is an adult.

Thus, child custody attorneys in Albuquerque need to not only plan for resolving the current dispute but also be aware of the future implications of the child custody case and how it will impact on the actions of the parents and the child going forward. To learn more about how our attorneys can help you with your child custody case in Albuquerque, NM contact us at info@JusticeLegalGroup.com or call us at 505-880-8737.