Albuquerque Divorce Attorneys
Guiding Couples Toward Favorable Resolutions in Santa Fe
Deciding to end a marriage can be a stressful time, but you’re not alone. If you’re filing for a divorce in New Mexico, our compassionate divorce lawyers are here to guide your steps with care and compassion. Since 1993, Batley Riley Family Law has provided strategic and individualized counsel to couples and families in Albuquerque.
When you work with our trusted advocates, you’ll benefit from having an entire team behind you that genuinely cares about your future goals and well-being. Our attorneys take a personalized approach to every case and deeply value your part in this process, which is why we take the time to truly understand your wants and needs.
Our firm has decades of experience, making us well-equipped to protect your rights in and out of the courtroom. We understand the personal and sensitive nature of family law matters and handle your case with the utmost respect while keeping your family’s best interests at heart.
If you’re preparing for a divorce in Albuquerque, our divorce attorneys can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. Contact us online to discuss your case.
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“Thanks for everything yesterday! I had a very informative and meaningful consultation with Lauren. Their firm has written a great book on New Mexico Divorce Law and they had recommendations for books to help my kids in this process! Thanks for the great gifts as well. I look forward to working with Lauren in the process that lies ahead.”- Madelyn F.S.
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A negotiated divorce involves both spouses working through their disagreements, often with the help of attorneys or mediators, to reach a settlement outside of court. While this type of divorce is legally contested at first, it can proceed as an uncontested case once couples reach an agreement on key issues and submit them to the court for approval.
The key difference between negotiated and uncontested divorces depends on whether the case is resolved by mutual agreement or through court intervention. If the couple cannot agree on all divorce-related terms, the case will proceed as a contested divorce.
Our lawyers are highly skilled negotiators who are committed to pursuing better outcomes for our clients through negotiation or settlement facilitation. Our goal is to achieve long-term, cost-effective, and beneficial results while limiting time in the courtroom when possible.
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New Mexico is a community property state, meaning that family courts seek to divide property equally during a divorce. While this doesn’t necessarily guarantee a 50/50 split, property acquired during the course of the marriage is generally considered community property and is subject to equal division. There may be exceptions to this, such as individually owned gifts or inheritances. Our divorce lawyers are well-versed in these laws to help you protect your hard-earned assets and advocate for a just distribution.
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If you and your spouse own a business together, you may be wondering who gets to keep it. This depends on numerous factors, including when the business was started and whether the business constitutes community property.
For example, if the business was started or grew significantly during the marriage, both spouses may be entitled to half. If the business was owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired through an inheritance or gift, it may be considered separate property.
In some cases, the court may order one spouse to buy out the other’s interest based on its appraised value, or sell the business and divide the proceeds equally. No matter your situation, partnering with a knowledgeable divorce attorney is paramount to pursuing a favorable outcome and protecting your financial future.
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To file for a divorce in New Mexico, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for the last six months and file a petition in the district court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
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Albuquerque residents can file at the Second Judicial District Court located in the Bernalillo County Courthouse at 400 Lomas Blvd. NW. The Family Court is on the second floor in Room 240. Its hours include Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
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The length of a divorce depends on the type of divorce, the complexity of the case and whether the parties can reach agreements on key issues. Uncontested divorces may take a few months, while contested divorces involving disputes over custody, asset division, or child support can take several months or longer. Our firm can work to streamline the process by guiding you through each step, protecting your rights, and working toward timely, fair resolutions that reflect your goals.
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A divorce can have lifelong impacts on your life, relationships, and financial circumstances, making it critical to have an experienced attorney on your side. Some important reasons to work with our skilled divorce lawyers include:
- Protect your legal rights. From property division to child custody, we can protect your rights throughout the proceedings.
- Avoid costly mistakes. Our lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you avoid costly mistakes that may delay or hurt your case.
- Reduce stress and confusion. We provide clarity and peace of mind to clients during some of the most emotionally difficult times in their lives.
- Negotiate fair agreements. Our attorneys can help you turn the page to a brighter future by advocating for a fair division of assets, debts, and support.
- Stay informed and prepared. We take the time to explain your legal options and help you plan for each stage of the divorce.
- Trial representation. If your divorce goes to trial, we can present your case effectively while protecting your interests at every step.
Your Life is
Unique & Complex
You shouldn’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.
You deserve a plan designed just for you.
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle
At Batley Riley Family Law, we represent clients in all types of divorces. Our attorneys can assess your unique legal circumstances to determine the best divorce model for your specific needs and goals.
Divorce attorney services in Albuquerque often involve unique considerations for local families, including community property laws and specific procedures at the Bernalillo County Courthouse. Our team handles divorces involving business valuations, retirement division, as well as cases where one or both parties are business owners or have complex financial arrangements.
By understanding each client's priorities—whether it involves reaching a mediated agreement or proceeding in court—we tailor our strategies to provide clear advice throughout every step of the divorce process. Clients appreciate that our firm is dedicated to helping them explore collaborative and child-focused solutions whenever possible.
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In a collaborative divorce, both spouses agree to resolve all issues without going to court. Each party has its own attorney and commits to a cooperative process focused on problem-solving and preserving relationships. This can offer key advantages, including minimizing stress for minor children.
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A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, necessitating court intervention to make decisions. While these cases are typically lengthier and more adversarial, they may be necessary in certain circumstances, such as spouses with a history of marital abuse or significant assets.
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In a mediated divorce, a neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses reach agreements on legal issues. This faster, cost-effective path to divorce can save couples time, money, and stress in the courtroom while offering greater privacy and control over the final outcome.
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A negotiated divorce involves ongoing discussions to reach agreements outside of court. These conversations may take place informally, through attorneys, or with a mediator. If all divorce-related terms are resolved through negotiation, the case may proceed as an uncontested divorce.
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An uncontested divorce is available to spouses who agree on all terms of their divorce, eliminating the need for complex litigation or court intervention. This process is typically faster, simpler, and more affordable than contested divorces.
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High-asset divorces often involve complicated issues like business ownership, real estate, retirement accounts, and spousal support. These cases may be negotiated or contested, but require careful handling to protect financial interests and ensure equitable division.
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Our lawyers have a deep understanding of the nuances of LGBTQIA divorces to handle these cases with sensitivity and care. We help same-sex couples navigate unique legal challenges, such as parenting rights, non-biological parent custody, and property acquired before nationwide marriage equality.
Why Choose Batley Riley Family Law?
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We Are Committed to Your Success
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We Empower You to Make the Right Choices
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You Will Have Your Questions Answered
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We Will Help You Find Your Way Forward
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation Options for Albuquerque Families
When considering divorce, many Albuquerque families want to reduce conflict and maintain control over important decisions. Collaborative divorce provides a path where both spouses, with the support of their attorneys, agree to work together outside of court to find mutually beneficial solutions. This approach can preserve relationships and save time and emotional energy, especially when children are involved.
A key role of a divorce lawyer Albuquerque residents trust is to identify whether mediation or a collaborative process is the right fit for your situation. Mediation, often recommended by local judges at the Second Judicial District Court, allows parties to resolve property, custody, and financial matters privately with the help of a neutral third party. These methods can often result in a more amicable outcome than traditional litigation, giving families greater flexibility in shaping their future.
Filing for a divorce can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call (505) 576-7296 to schedule a consultation with our compassionate advocates.
