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
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.