Family Law

• Divorce
  Since then, the law firm of Atkinson & Kelsey has grown in size to include five lawyers. We are the oldest and one of the largest law firms in New Mexico devoted exclusively to the practice of divorce and family law, and we are passionate about achieving positive results for clients like you. If you have family law questions anywhere in New Mexico, call us. We can help you.
• Child Support
• Child Custody and Visitation
  When a couple walks out of the courtroom with a “final divorce decree,” it may seem to be set in stone. However, when there is a showing of a material and substantial change of circumstances it can be possible to modify a decree in the areas of child custody, visitation and support. One parent may want the court’s permission to relocate, move out of state, with the parties’ child due to a change in jobs, remarriage, health or other family or financial circumstances. The other parent may oppose this relocation. Relocation will necessarily affect issues of custody, visitation and support.
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
  The fundamental role of a prenuptial agreement is to establish agreed-upon plans for the manner in which property and debt are to be divided in the case of divorce or death. Some consider a prenuptial agreement to be insurance against potentially costly legal fees in the event of unexpected marital problems.
• Guardianship
  Grandparents who have taken on parental roles with their grandchildren may qualify to pursue a kinship guardianship under New Mexico law. Under the statutes, when parents are unable or unwilling to care properly for their child, a child may be raised by family members or kinship caregivers. Atkinson & Kelsey, P.A., has worked with many families to create such legal guardianships. It is not just for grandparents — aunt, uncles and adult siblings
• Spousal Support
  It’s time to get serious with your ex about unpaid child or spousal support? Call us at Atkinson & Kelsey at 505-883-3070 or write us using this online form.
• Legal Separation
• Child Abuse
  Child custody disputes become complex when a unique challenge arises, such as a parent with substance abuse issues, allegations of child abuse or domestic violence, the desire of one parent to relocate with the child, a child with special needs or the inability of a party to coparent.

Criminal Law

• Sex Crimes
  If domestic violence has occurred, the court may, without notice to the other party, issue a temporary order of protection (a restraining order). If you have been subjected to domestic abuse by a household member, you can seek such an order. Initial orders can be obtained any day of the year. These orders may also be obtained against someone who is not a household member when there has been stalking or sexual assault. After notice and hearing, the court may enter an order of protection for a longer period of time.
• Assault
• Juvenile Crimes
• Restraining Order
  We provide practical advice and protective legal representation for parties on either side of a domestic violence matter. We can help an abuse victim apply for a restraining order. We can also help the respondent defend against the charges.

Property Law

• Real Estate Transactions
  He is a member of the State Bar of New Mexico, where he chaired the Family Law Section and Legislation Committee. He has lobbied for the following legislative actions: Joint Custody Legislation, Child Support Guidelines, Public Retirement Community Property Division, Child Custody Jurisdiction, Child Support Enforcement, Paternity Code, Quasi-Community Property Act, Grandparent Visitation Act, Spousal Support Amendments, Life Insurance as Insurance for Support, Death During Pending Divorce Statute, Mediation of Child Custody Disputes, Family Violence Protection Act Amendments, Child and Spousal Support Liens, Pre-Nuptial Agreement Act, Joinder of Spouses in Real Estate Transactions, and Post-Minority Child Support Amendments.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  For older people getting married, clarify health care, retirement benefits, advanceddirectives, estate planning concerns and clearly specify separate assets and liabilities.
• Wills
  Divorce is a new beginning, but it leads to further considerations such as changes to one’s estate plan, including wills and trusts, and long-term care issues. Often in elder law collaborative divorce may be a better approach than litigation. At Atkinson & Kelsey, we make our services available to seniors struggling with family issues. We invite you to call us and tell us your story.
• Trusts
• Probate

Finance Law

• Foreclosure
• Tax Law