Albuquerque Paternity Law Guidance

Comprehensive Paternity Legal Support in Albuquerque

When a child is born to unmarried parents, it can be difficult to determine the custody and support rights of each parent. In order to establish these rights, paternity must be determined. A paternity test is a genetic test that can determine if a man is the biological father of a child. Once paternity has been established, the father can seek custody and the mother can seek support. If you need to establish paternity, our Albuquerque paternity lawyer can help. We also assist parents who need to disprove paternity.


Ready to Discuss Your Paternity Case? Contact Our Albuquerque Lawyers Today(505) 431-4716 or contact us online.


Establishing Paternity: Your Legal Options in New Mexico

There are a few different ways to establish paternity in New Mexico, including:

  • VDP – The Voluntary Paternity Declaration is a form that can be completed by the parents at the hospital when the child is born. This form can also be completed at a later time and is available at the Human Services Department. Once the form has been completed and filed, the father’s name will be added to the birth certificate and the mother will be able to receive child support.
  • Administrative Order of Paternity – If the parents are unable to agree on paternity, either parent can request that the Human Services Department establish paternity. This will involve genetic testing. If the test shows that the man is the father, an order of paternity will be issued. If the test shows that the man is not the father, the case will be dismissed. The man will have to pay for the genetic test if he is found to be the father.
  • Judicial Order of Paternity – If the parents are unable to agree on paternity and the Human Services Department is unable to establish paternity, either parent can request that the court establish paternity. This will involve genetic testing. If the test shows that the man is the father, the court will issue an order of paternity. If the test shows that the man is not the father, the case will be dismissed. The man will have to pay for the genetic test if he is found to be the father.

Challenging Paternity in Albuquerque: Legal Steps

If a man has been declared the father of a child and believes that he is not the father, he can request a paternity test to disprove paternity. The test must be completed within 90 days of the date that the man was declared the father. If the test shows that the man is not the father, the court will issue an order of non-paternity. If the test shows that the man is the father, the case will be dismissed. The man will have to pay for the genetic test if he is found to be the father.

Fathers' Rights in Albuquerque: Establishing Paternity

If you are the father of a child who was born out of wedlock, you will need to establish paternity in order to seek custody and visitation rights. You will also be required to pay child support. If you do not want to be involved in the child’s life, you should not sign the Voluntary Paternity Declaration. If you sign this form and later decide that you want to terminate your parental rights, you will not be able to do so unless there is someone willing to adopt the child. If you do not sign the form, the mother can seek a judicial order of paternity. This will involve genetic testing to determine if you are the father. If the test shows that you are the father, the court will issue an order of paternity. You will be required to pay child support.

Mothers' Rights in Albuquerque: Seeking Child Support

If you are the mother of a child who was born out of wedlock, you will need to establish paternity in order to seek child support. You will also be able to seek a judicial order of paternity if you want the father to have custody or visitation rights. If you do not want the father to be involved in the child’s life and he has not signed the Voluntary Paternity Declaration, you do not need to take any action to establish paternity.

For experienced legal assistance with a paternity case, turn to NM Divorce & Custody Law, LLC. Our Albuquerque paternity lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Albuquerque's Trusted Paternity Law Advocates

When a child is born to unmarried parents, it can be difficult to determine the custody and support rights of each parent. In order to establish these rights, paternity must be determined. A paternity test is a genetic test that can determine if a man is the biological father of a child. Once paternity has been established, the father can seek custody and the mother can seek support. If you need to establish paternity, our Albuquerque paternity lawyer can help. We also assist parents who need to disprove paternity.


Need Legal Help with Paternity Issues? Contact Our Albuquerque Attorneys Now(505) 431-4716 or contact us online.


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