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
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.