New Mexico courts help parents make decisions about child custody. However, certain conditions affect how these decisions are made. The court must take these conditions into consideration when rendering decisions. A Child Custody Attorney Albuquerque NM helps parents with these demands.
What are the Restrictions for Sole Custody?
The state awards sole custody under detrimental circumstances only. The begin with an absent parent. The remaining parent must prove abandonment in these instances.
Incarceration is another possibility. The parent must receive a prison sentence that lasts at least two years. The court acquires the parent’s criminal record to substantiate the facts.
Drug and alcohol abuse warrants sole custody. However, if the parent enters a treatment program, this could modify the order. The court must evaluate the addict to determine if they are a risk to the child.
Domestic violence charges affect the custody assignment. If the offender attacked as a means to punish their former spouse, the court might award sole custody to the victim. Any history of violence presents a hazard for the child. A Child Custody Attorney Albuquerque NM help parents fight for sole custody.
Mental Evaluation for Parents
Courts use many measures to make determinations about child custody. Among them are mental evaluations for both parents. They require the parents to submit to psychological testing. These options help them identify what parent presents the most healthy environment.
The court also orders a home study conducted by a social worker or family therapist. Each parent must complete this step. This allows the social worker or therapist an opportunity to assess their homes. They evaluate the property for risks. They also evaluate any household members that live with the parent. They report the findings back to the court. A Child Custody Attorney Albuquerque NM helps parents prepare for these assessments.
New Mexico courts assign custody based on the most appropriate setting for the child. This decision is based on full assessments of each parent. The court reviews the findings of these assessments and renders a decision. Parents who need help with contact The Carter & Valle Law Firm for more information.