New Mexico Dissolution Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | $135–$155 (varies by county) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $1–$4 per page |
Fee Waiver — Indigent Litigants
New Mexico waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit of Indigency (or Application to Proceed Without Payment of Fees)
- File with the Petition
- Judge approves; fee waived
Forms at: nmcourts.gov/self-help-center
New Mexico Legal Aid: nmlegalaid.org — free legal help for qualifying individuals.
Service Costs (if Individual Petition)
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sheriff's service | $30–$70 |
| Process server | $50–$100 |
| Waiver of service | Free (if spouse agrees) |
| Publication | $100–$250 |
For agreed dissolutions where both spouses cooperate, waiver of service eliminates service cost.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| MSA drafting (attorney) | $500–$3,000 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $350–$700 |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| NM County Clerk deed recording | ~$10–$25 per page |
| Mediator | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $150–$400 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement | $600–$2,500 |
| Contested | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $135–$155 filing fee | Affidavit of Indigency available | nmlegalaid.org | NM County Clerk for deed recording | No waiting period | nmcourts.gov/self-help-center
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.