New Mexico Dissolution Forms — Complete Guide (2026)
New Mexico courts provide self-help forms at: nmcourts.gov/self-help-center
Where to Get New Mexico Dissolution Forms
New Mexico Courts Self-Help Center: nmcourts.gov/self-help-center — official court forms and instructions for self-represented litigants.
District Court Clerk: The clerk in your county may have local supplement forms or can direct you to county-specific requirements.
New Mexico Legal Aid: nmlegalaid.org — free legal help and guidance for qualifying individuals.
Core Forms — Agreed Dissolution
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Filed by Petitioner; alleges incompatibility |
| Entry of Appearance / Acceptance of Service | Respondent waives formal service (agreed cases) |
| Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) | Covers all community property, debts, spousal support, custody |
| Decree of Dissolution of Marriage | Final order signed by the judge |
| Financial Disclosure Certificate | Required in some districts |
| If children: Parenting Plan | Required when minor children involved |
| If children: Child Support Worksheet | New Mexico Guidelines calculation |
Marital Settlement Agreement — What It Must Cover
The MSA is the key settlement document in a New Mexico dissolution.
Must include:
Community Property:
- All real property: legal description, FMV, community value, assignment (who keeps or sale), refinancing terms, Quitclaim/Warranty Deed to NM County Clerk
- All financial accounts: institution, type, balance, community portion, assignment
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer language
- Vehicles: assignment and title transfer through NM MVD
- Business interests: valuation and assignment
- All community debts: creditor, balance, who assumes, indemnification
Separate Property Acknowledgment:
- Each spouse's separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances) listed and confirmed as remaining with that spouse
Spousal Support:
- Award with amount, duration, and terms — or explicit waiver: "Each party waives any and all claims for spousal support."
If Children:
- Legal and physical custody
- Parenting Plan (detailed schedule)
- Child support per New Mexico Guidelines
Community Property — 50/50 Division
New Mexico community property is divided equally (50/50) unless both parties agree otherwise in the MSA. The court approves MSA deviations if they are voluntary and fair.
Identifying community vs. separate:
- Community: acquired during marriage with community funds
- Separate: pre-marital, gifts, inheritances — must be traceable and kept separate
New Mexico Child Support — Income Shares Model
New Mexico uses the income shares model. Both parents' incomes are considered in the Child Support Guidelines worksheet.
Process:
- Determine both parents' gross monthly incomes
- Apply standard deductions (taxes, FICA, prior support)
- Reference the NM Child Support Schedule based on combined income and number of children
- Allocate between parents by their percentage of combined income
- Add adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and parenting time
Forms and worksheet: nmcourts.gov/self-help-center
Parenting Plan — Required With Children
New Mexico courts require a detailed Parenting Plan when minor children are involved. The plan must address:
- Legal custody (joint or sole)
- Primary residence
- Regular parenting schedule
- Holiday and summer schedule
- School and healthcare decision-making
- Information sharing between parents
- Transportation/exchange logistics
- Relocation provisions
- Dispute resolution
Last reviewed: March 2026 | nmcourts.gov/self-help-center | MSA required | Community property 50/50 | Separate property = pre-marital/gifts/inheritances | Parenting Plan required with children | Income shares child support | NM County Clerk for deed recording | nmlegalaid.org
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.