New Mexico New Mexico

Child Visitation Laws

Visitation General Information

What is child visitation?

In the context of a child custody case, visitation is defined as the rights for a non-custodial parent to see their child, or as temporary custody that's been granted for a period of time to an otherwise non-custodial parent or relative.

In general, courts in New Mexico assume that it is beneficial for both biological parents of a child to have shared custody or visitation, unless it is shown to be against the child's best interests. A biological parent who is denied custody may be awarded visitation rights to provide for a relationship between the parent and child.

Visitation by grandparents, family members, or other third-parties is less clear cut in New Mexico, and nationwide. While there are state guidelines regarding third-party visitation in certain situations, these laws are frequently challenged.

Above all else, courts in New Mexico strive to make custody and visitation decisions that are "in the best interests of the child". The court handling each individual visitation case has significant flexibility in determining what arrangement is in the child's best interests. You can read about New Mexico's visitation guildelines on this page.




New Mexico Child Visitation Summary

New Mexico law states that a biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case. A person may also file a petition for visitation on its own. The court will examine whether a visitation arrangement is in the best interests of the child. The factors considered include:



  • The parent's’ and child’s wishes as to custody


  • The interaction and relationship between the child and both parents, any siblings, and any other person who significantly affects the child's best interests


  • The child's adjustment to his or her home, school and community


  • The mental and physical health of all individuals involved




The court will decide a request for visitation based on whether granting a grandparent visitation would be in the "best interests of the child."

New Mexico Child Visitation For Grandparents, Relatives, and Third Parties

In the state of New Mexico, there are a number of laws regarding child visitation regarding visitation for third-parties other than the biological parents of the child. While state laws regarding third-party visitation have been frequently been challenged in courts, they are a good indication of New Mexico's positions regarding non-parental visitation rights.


Visitation Rights Of Grandparents In New Mexico:

New Mexico has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. Under state law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the parent's marital status.

Grandparents, Visitation In General

✓ YES

Grandparents, After Death Of Parent

✓ YES

Grandparents, After Divorce Of Parent

✗ NO

Grandparents, Parent Never Married

✗ NO

Regardless of state presumptions regarding grandparent's visitation rights under specific circumstances, a New Mexico court may allow or prevent visitation rights in any situation based on the best interests of the child.


Visitation Rights Of Other Parties In New Mexico:

Are step-parents granted visitation rights in the state of New Mexico?

Generally it is an uphill battle for step-parents seeking visitation rights for a step-child, especially if the biological parents of the child are alive and are opposed to the visitation.

The state of New Mexico does not have any laws that grant child visitation rights to step-parents, which may make applying for visitation significantly harder. In all cases, third-party visitation rights are more likely to be granted by the court if they are deemed to be in the best interests of the child.


Can other interested parties or relatives be granted visitation rights to a child in New Mexico?

Under state of New Mexico law, it may be possible for other individuals to be granted visitation rights by the court. This might include relatives other than the child'a parents, previous caregivers, etc.


Can parents be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or adoption in New Mexico?

In the state of New Mexico it is possible to be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or giving up a child for adoption. This is the case with both biological parents and previous guardians.



| State Law Official Text


** This Document Provided By MaritalLaws **
Source: http://www.maritallaws.com/states/new-mexico/visitation