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Legal Help for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, one-stop guide for New Mexico moms who need fast, trustworthy legal help. Every program or office named below is linked so you can reach it quickly.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These on Your Phone

How to Get a Lawyer Fast in New Mexico

Start here. Call New Mexico Legal Aid’s intake line during posted hours or apply online. The statewide number is 1-833-545-4357; use the online application if you can’t get through by phone on your first try at New Mexico Legal Aid and browse step‑by‑step self‑help guides at Law Help NM. Expect a short screening call; for non‑crisis matters, plan for a brief wait, then a follow‑up for documents. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

If you are over income for Legal Aid or there’s a conflict, use the State Bar’s Modest Means Helpline for free civil legal advice by phone. The helpline covers family law, landlord‑tenant, consumer, probate and more; reach 1-888-857-9935 or 1-505-797-6013, and check details and hours at State Bar – Modest Means Helpline and the Access to Justice summary. (sbnm.org)

When you can’t wait for a callback, find a clinic or teleclinic this month. New Mexico Legal Aid’s Volunteer Attorney Program runs free teleclinics and in‑person legal fairs statewide, where you get a one‑time, 20–30 minute consult and a plan. See upcoming dates and how to apply under VAP Free Legal Consultations or the events calendar at New Mexico Legal Aid – Clinics. (vapnm.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try telephone advice from Law Access New Mexico at 1-800-340-9771, search the State Bar Directory for private counsel who offer payment plans, and visit your district’s Court Self‑Help Center to prepare filings with free forms. (lawaccess.org)

Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Safety: How to Get Protection Today

If you’re in danger, call 911 and the 24/7 DV/SA lines while you plan. Use the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799‑7233 and the New Mexico Crisis & Access Line at 1-855-662‑7474 for safety planning and warm referrals through NMCAL and the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence portal. The Rape Crisis Center of Central NM can dispatch an advocate to the SANE unit and court. (nmcadv.org)

File an Order of Protection at your district court. Courts accept Supreme Court–approved forms and many allow email or fax filing; find forms and steps on NM Courts – Domestic Violence and local procedures (Albuquerque) at Second Judicial Domestic Violence. Judges can issue a temporary order the same day with a full hearing usually in about 10 days under the Family Violence Protection Act. (domesticviolence.nmcourts.gov)

If you prefer a lawyer, call New Mexico Legal Aid’s DV/SA/Stalking Legal Helpline at 1-877-974-3400 through NMCADV Resources, or seek culturally specific services at Enlace Comunitario for Spanish‑speaking survivors and CSVANW for Native communities. Use Law Help NM for safety planning and legal info. (nmcadv.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the court’s Self‑Help staff to review paperwork completeness (they can’t give legal advice) via New Mexico Courts, request same‑day filing guidance from Second Judicial Self‑Help, and call NMCAL for crisis housing referrals while you pursue the protection order. (nmcourts.gov)

Child Support and Custody: Fast Steps That Work

To set or enforce support, open a case with the Child Support Enforcement Division. Call 1-800-283-4465, update your phone for SMS reminders, and use the online portal at HCA/HSD – Child Support. Ask about DNA testing, wage withholding, license suspensions, and enforcement tools; start with your county field office listed via HSD/HCA Contact. (hsd.state.nm.us)

If your case is in court, Child Support Hearing Officers manage many hearings to speed decisions; court contacts and rules appear on local district pages like Third Judicial – Child Support Hearing Officer. For custody or kinship guardianship filings, use Guide & File and your Self‑Help Center to pick the right forms. (thirddistrict.nmcourts.gov)

For parenting time, school issues, or guardianships affecting kids, Pegasus Legal Services for Children can help in select cases—call 1-505-244-1101 and review programs at Pegasus Legal Services and the state directory for youth legal help at Groundworks NM – Pegasus. Cross‑check New Mexico Courts for district‑specific parenting forms. (groundworksnm.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the Modest Means Helpline for private‑bar advice, request mediation info at your district court Self‑Help center, and follow up with CSED’s customer center if payments stop through HCA/HSD – Child Support. (sbnm.org)

Housing: Evictions, Lockouts, and Foreclosure Defense

Your landlord must follow the Uniform Owner‑Resident Relations Act. For nonpayment, you generally get a 3‑day pay‑or‑quit notice; for most lease breaches, a 7‑day cure notice; and for serious violations, a 3‑day unconditional quit. See statute NMSA 47‑8‑33 and plain‑language explainer at WomensLaw – NM 47‑8‑33. (codes.findlaw.com)

Landlords cannot lock you out or shut off utilities as “self‑help.” That’s illegal under NMSA 47‑8‑36. If this happens, document it, call the police non‑emergency line, and file for relief in court; use forms and Self‑Help centers listed on New Mexico Courts. If utilities are threatened by your provider, see the next section on medical certificates and PRC complaints. (law.justia.com)

Facing foreclosure? Free, HUD‑certified counseling and legal help is available. Call United South Broadway Corporation’s Fair Lending Center at 1-505-764-8867 and review loss‑mitigation options and settlement program info at USBC – Housing and USBC Counseling. For self‑representation tips and settlement conferences, ask your court Self‑Help office via New Mexico Courts. (unitedsouthbroadway.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call New Mexico Legal Aid for emergency eviction defense, seek a one‑time clinic consult at VAP Free Legal Consultations, and use Guide & File to prepare an Answer in time. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in New Mexico Today

You have several fast protections:

  • Medical Certification: If someone in your home is seriously or chronically ill, ask a licensed medical professional to complete the utility’s medical form. Deliver the original medical and financial certification to your utility at least two days before shutoff. This can require the company to keep service on and, if already off, restore it within 12 hours after certification under 17.5.410 NMAC and NMSA 62‑8‑10. Contact your provider (PNM 1-833-848-6086, NM Gas 1-888-664-2726) and ask for their medical certificate forms. (srca.nm.gov)
  • File a PRC Complaint: If billing is wrong or the payment plan isn’t honored, file an informal or formal complaint with the NM Public Regulation Commission. Once a formal complaint is filed, the utility generally cannot disconnect service over the disputed amount while the case is pending under 1.2.2.15(B) NMAC noted on the PRC site. For help, call the PRC at 1-888-427-5772 and use the online form. (prc.nm.gov)
  • Ask About Local Funds: For electric bills, ask partners of the PNM Good Neighbor Fund; for gas, request Salvation Army’s HEAT via New Mexico Gas Company – Assistance; for water in Albuquerque, ask about the Low‑Income Credit or Water Assistance Fund through ABCWUA – Help for Low‑Income Customers. Also apply for LIHEAP at YES New Mexico. (pnm.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call New Mexico Legal Aid about wrongful disconnections, get a same‑day consult at VAP Free Legal Consultations, and keep receipts and medical letters ready for a PRC formal complaint. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

Benefits, SNAP/Medicaid, and Appeals

If HSD cut or denied benefits, ask for a Fair Hearing right away. Write or email the Office of Fair Hearings with your name, case number, decision you’re appealing, and phone; contacts are (505) 476‑6213 or 1‑800‑432‑6217 Option 6 at HCA/HSD – Fair Hearings. Keep paying any undisputed amounts and watch for a hearing date. (hsd.state.nm.us)

Apply for SNAP, TANF, or child care help through YES New Mexico online or in a field office. Use the portal at YES New Mexico, check your case at any hour with the ISD info line at 1‑855‑309‑3766, and ask for expedited help if you have little or no income. Guidance is on HCA/HSD – SNAP. (hca.nm.gov)

If you need a free legal advocate for systemic benefits issues or wage theft, contact the New Mexico Center on Law & Poverty for information and limited representation; see intake pointers at NMCLP – Legal Help and pair that with New Mexico Legal Aid for individual representation. (nmpovertylaw.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a continuance if you need more time for documents from HCA/HSD – Fair Hearings, get phone advice from Law Access New Mexico, and bring any denial letters to a VAP clinic. (hsd.state.nm.us)

Courts, Forms, and Filing Fees

Use Guide & File to generate court forms from interviews for divorce, response, and free‑process fee waivers. Start on Guide & File – New Mexico Courts and ask your Self‑Help Center to check completeness. The Application for Free Process (fee waiver) is allowed by rule; see examples at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court – Free Process. (nmcourts.gov)

If you can’t afford fees or service costs, Free Process is available statewide under Supreme Court rules and forms. Read a summary of Rule 23‑114 and Forms 4‑222 to 4‑224 at Casetext – Free Process in Civil Cases and check your court’s local process at New Mexico Courts. (casetext.com)

For record clearing, New Mexico’s Criminal Records Expungement Act lets you petition to expunge qualifying arrests and many convictions after waiting periods. Find forms at NM Courts – Expungement, guidance at NM DPS – Expungements, and timelines under NMSA 29‑3A‑5. For a quick primer, see ACLU‑NM – How do I expunge my record?. (nmcourts.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call your Self‑Help Center (for example, Second Judicial Self‑Help or First Judicial Self‑Help), and ask the Modest Means Helpline to review your forms by phone. (seconddistrict.nmcourts.gov)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Legal Paths and Access Features

LGBTQ+ single mothers: For discrimination at work or housing, contact the state’s Human Rights Bureau via NM Workforce Solutions – Human Rights and get civil rights intake help at ACLU of New Mexico – Get Legal Help. For family law and name/gender marker changes, ask New Mexico Legal Aid about paperwork and fee waivers. Interpreters can be requested at court through Language Access Services. (aclu-nm.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Reach Disability Rights New Mexico for free legal advocacy at 1-800-432-4682 and read intake hours at DRNM – Intake Information. Ask about special education rights, guardianship alternatives, and vocational rehab issues; review DRNM Systemic Advocacy and the state’s new Supported Decision‑Making program via ALTSD announcement. Courts provide interpreters and ADA aids at Language Access Services; TTY/Relay is 711 under Relay New Mexico. (drnm.org)

Veteran single mothers: Legal help for veterans is available through New Mexico Legal Aid – Veterans Law (505-814-6719) and periodic clinics hosted by the State Bar – Veterans Legal Clinic. For housing and benefits navigation, call the VA New Mexico main line 1‑800‑465‑8262 and the Vet Center at 1‑877‑927‑8387 after hours. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Get free or low‑cost immigration help at New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (1‑505‑247‑1023) and Santa Fe Dreamers Project (1‑505‑490‑2789). For VAWA, U‑ or T‑visa screening, contact Catholic Charities – CICLA and seek Spanish‑language DV legal support via Enlace Comunitario. Interpreter services are free in state courts through Language Access Services. (nmilc.org)

Tribal‑specific resources (including Navajo Nation and Pueblos): Many families in San Juan and McKinley counties are covered by DNA People’s Legal Services; call centralized intake 1‑833‑362‑1102 or the Farmington office 1‑505‑325‑8886 at DNA – Contact. For DV programming and advocacy training with tribes, connect with CSVANW and follow missing/murdered Indigenous persons updates like the new Turquoise Alert coverage reported by AP News and explained by Indian Affairs; check local tribal courts for protection order procedures. (dnalegalservices.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Use telephone‑based help like the Modest Means Helpline, statewide VAP teleclinics via VAP Free Legal Consultations, and request remote interpreters through Language Access Services. For behavioral health stabilization while you wait for court, call NMCAL 24/7. (sbnm.org)

Single fathers: Fathers can use all the same services listed here. For paternity and parenting orders, start with HCA/HSD – Child Support and court forms on New Mexico Courts. For telephone advice, contact Law Access New Mexico. (hsd.state.nm.us)

Language access and disability accommodations: Request spoken‑language or ASL interpreters at no charge using court forms listed under Accessibility & Language Access. If you need TTY, dial 711 for Relay New Mexico; courts publish interpreter request forms and timelines at district pages like Third Judicial – Language Access. Ask for large‑print forms from court clerks. (nmcourts.gov)

Resources by Region (local contacts that actually answer)

Albuquerque and Bernalillo County: Get walk‑in forms at Second Judicial District Self‑Help; call 1‑505‑841‑6702. Ask about the city’s water bill credits and emergency grants at ABCWUA – Low‑Income Help. For sexual‑assault advocacy, call Rape Crisis Center of Central NM at 1‑505‑266‑7711. (seconddistrict.nmcourts.gov)

Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico: Use First Judicial District Self‑Help (1‑505‑455‑8250) for forms and filing tips. For immigration services, contact Catholic Charities – Santa Fe Office and NMILC. Check New Mexico Legal Aid – Santa Fe office for local intake hours. (firstdistrict.nmcourts.gov)

Doña Ana County / Las Cruces: For eviction questions and family cases, visit Third Judicial District Court language access contacts and the Self‑Help Center page for hearing info. Manage utility accounts and assistance at Las Cruces Utilities – Customer Central or call 1‑575‑541‑2111. (thirddistrict.nmcourts.gov)

Four Corners / San Juan & McKinley Counties: For tribal and border cases, call DNA People’s Legal Services at 1‑833‑362‑1102 or the Farmington line 1‑505‑325‑8886 via DNA – Contact. Use Eleventh Judicial – Language Access for interpreter requests and New Mexico Legal Aid – Locations for non‑tribal civil help. (dnalegalservices.org)

Southwest / Silver City & Grant County: Self‑help and filing at Sixth District Court; interpreter request rules at Sixth Judicial – Language Access. For DV shelter and legal navigation, call El Refugio 1‑888‑538‑2125. Check NMLA’s Silver City office hours at New Mexico Legal Aid – Locations. (twelfthdistrict.nmcourts.gov)

Eastern NM / Clovis–Portales–Roswell–Hobbs: Watch for VAP legal fairs in Portales and Ruidoso at VAP Free Legal Consultations. For Roswell and Lea County matters, contact NMLA’s regional offices via New Mexico Legal Aid – Locations and use NMCAL for safety planning in DV cases. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

The table below lists frequent needs and the fastest route to help.

Need Who to Call or Click Typical Timeline Notes
Emergency civil legal help 1-833-545-4357; New Mexico Legal Aid; Law Help NM Callback in several days; faster for emergencies Have court papers, IDs ready. (newmexicolegalaid.org)
One‑time attorney consult 1-877-266-9861; VAP Clinics Apply 15–30 days before event Phone or in‑person. Spots limited. (vapnm.org)
Modest Means Helpline 1-888-857-9935; MMH Same‑week advice Civil matters only. (sbnm.org)
Order of Protection DV Forms & Process Same‑day temp orders; 10‑day hearing No filing fees for DV orders. (domesticviolence.nmcourts.gov)
Child Support case 1‑800‑283‑4465; CSED Page Intake varies; enforcement ongoing Ask about wage withholding. (hsd.state.nm.us)
Stop utility shutoff PRC Complaint; medical certificate rules 17.5.410 NMAC Formal complaint can pause shutoff Keep paying undisputed amounts. (prc.nm.gov)
Eviction response Guide & File; NMSA 47‑8‑33 Answer due before hearing 3‑day/7‑day notice rules apply. (codes.findlaw.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until the court date: File an Answer or a protection‑order petition as soon as possible using Guide & File and check district Self‑Help pages like Second Judicial Self‑Help. Delays reduce your options. (nmcourts.gov)
  • Ignoring utility notices: Call your provider and the PRC as soon as you get a 15‑day notice; ask about a medical certification and payment plan under 17.5.410 NMAC and consider filing a formal complaint. (srca.nm.gov)
  • Letting a landlord lock you out: If locks get changed or utilities are cut to force you out, that’s illegal. Call police non‑emergency and file under NMSA 47‑8‑36, with Self‑Help guidance at New Mexico Courts. (law.justia.com)

Reality Check

  • Demand is high: Legal Aid intakes and clinics fill up. Expect several days to a couple of weeks for non‑crisis callbacks. Always apply early at New Mexico Legal Aid and grab clinic spots via VAP. Call to confirm availability before applying. (newmexicolegalaid.org)
  • Court timelines vary: DV temporary orders can be same‑day; merits hearings often occur within about 10 days. Eviction hearings can be scheduled quickly after service. Track your case at New Mexico Courts – Case Lookup. (domesticviolence.nmcourts.gov)
  • Funding ebbs and flows: Utility funds like the Good Neighbor Fund and water credits may run out mid‑month. Check PNM Good Neighbor Fund and ABCWUA Assistance schedules, and bring SNAP/LIHEAP proof to speed review. Call to confirm current availability before applying. (pnm.com)

Tables You Can Screenshot

Court and Legal Intake Contacts

Program How to Reach Hours Notes
New Mexico Legal Aid Phone: 1‑833‑545‑4357; Online: NMLA Apply Posted on site Civil legal help statewide. (newmexicolegalaid.org)
Modest Means Helpline Phone: 1‑888‑857‑9935; Info: State Bar MMH Weekdays Free advice; civil only. (sbnm.org)
VAP Clinics Phone: 1‑877‑266‑9861; Schedule: VAP Clinics By event One‑time consults. (vapnm.org)
Court Self‑Help Find your court: NM Courts Local Forms and process info. (nmcourts.gov)

Eviction Notice Types

Notice When Used Your Time to Act Source
3‑day pay or quit Unpaid rent Pay in 3 days to stop eviction NMSA 47‑8‑33(D) (codes.findlaw.com)
7‑day cure First lease breach Fix within 7 days NMSA 47‑8‑33(A) (codes.findlaw.com)
3‑day unconditional quit “Substantial violation” Must vacate in 3 days NMSA 47‑8‑33(I) (codes.findlaw.com)

Utility Shutoff Protections

Protection What to Do Where It’s Written
Medical certification Submit medical + financial forms before shutoff; ask for restoration within 12 hours 17.5.410 NMAC; NMSA 62‑8‑10 (srca.nm.gov)
PRC formal complaint File to pause shutoff of disputed charges PRC – File a Complaint (prc.nm.gov)
Winter protections Ask about seasonal rules and payment plans PRC Consumer Relations; utility customer rights notices (prc.nm.gov)

Child Support – Getting Help

Task Contact Link
Open a case/ask status Phone: 1‑800‑283‑4465 Child Support – HCA/HSD (hsd.state.nm.us)
Portal/messages Website: CSED portal Child Support Overview (hsd.state.nm.us)
Fair hearings (benefits) Phone: 1‑800‑432‑6217 opt. 6 Fair Hearings (hsd.state.nm.us)

Language and Accessibility

Need How to Request Source
Court interpreter (spoken or ASL) File request form; free of charge NM Courts – Accessibility; district language pages (nmcourts.gov)
TTY/Relay Dial 711 Relay New Mexico; FCC 711 Guide (hamiltonrelay.com)

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

If Your Application Gets Denied

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches and Support Groups

Tap Albuquerque’s Southwest Women’s Law Center for policy resources and referrals at SWLC (1‑505‑244‑0502). For immigrants, schedule legal screenings with Catholic Charities – CICLA and NMILC. In Spanish‑speaking DV cases, call Enlace Comunitario at 1‑505‑246‑8972. (sharenm.org)

For teens and survivors, Rape Crisis Center of Central NM provides 24/7 advocacy and TTY access; for Native families, connect with CSVANW. Veterans can engage the VA New Mexico social work team for legal clinic dates and referrals. (rapecrisiscnm.org)

County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

FAQs (New Mexico‑specific)

  1. Can I get a same‑day Order of Protection?
    Courts can issue temporary orders the same day with a full hearing usually set within about 10 days. Use the approved forms at NM Courts – Domestic Violence and confirm local email/fax filing options like those listed by the Second Judicial. (domesticviolence.nmcourts.gov)
  2. What if my landlord shuts off water or changes locks?
    That’s illegal self‑help eviction under NMSA 47‑8‑36. Call police non‑emergency, document the act, and file in court with Self‑Help guidance at New Mexico Courts. (law.justia.com)
  3. How fast do I need to respond to an eviction?
    Act immediately after service. Common notices are 3 days for nonpayment, 7 days for first lease breach, and 3 days for substantial violations under NMSA 47‑8‑33. Use Guide & File to draft your Answer. (codes.findlaw.com)
  4. How do I open a child support case or change an order?
    Call 1‑800‑283‑4465 and use the portal on HCA/HSD – Child Support. Ask about DNA testing, wage withholding, and reviews if income changes. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  5. What if my energy company schedules a shutoff and my child has asthma?
    Get a medical certification signed by a licensed provider and a financial certification from an assistance agency. Provide them to the utility at least two days before shutoff under 17.5.410 NMAC and NMSA 62‑8‑10. Consider a PRC complaint if there’s a dispute. (srca.nm.gov)
  6. Where do I find free forms for divorce or custody?
    Use Guide & File and your district’s Self‑Help pages such as First Judicial Self‑Help (Santa Fe) or Second Judicial Self‑Help (Albuquerque). (nmcourts.gov)
  7. I can’t afford filing fees—can they be waived?
    Yes, by applying for “Free Process.” Review local instructions, like Metro Court – Free Process, and statewide authority under Rule 23‑114 summarized at Casetext – Free Process. (metro.nmcourts.gov)
  8. Do courts provide interpreters?
    Yes. Request free interpreters (spoken languages and ASL) using forms at NM Courts – Accessibility; learn more at Language Access Services. TTY/Relay is 711 via Relay New Mexico. (nmcourts.gov)
  9. I’m a veteran and need help with discharge upgrades or benefits appeals—who will help?
    Start with New Mexico Legal Aid – Veterans Law and ask the State Bar – Veterans Legal Clinic about upcoming clinics. For behavioral health and housing supports, call VA New Mexico. (newmexicolegalaid.org)
  10. Where can I find trusted information about my rights?
    Use official sites: New Mexico Courts for forms, New Mexico Legal Aid for guides, and New Mexico DOJ – Get Help for consumer and civil rights referrals. (nmdoj.gov)

Application Tips and Timelines (What to Expect)

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Esta guía enlaza a oficinas oficiales y ayuda legal confiable. Para ayuda civil gratuita, llame a New Mexico Legal Aid al 1‑833‑545‑4357 o solicite en línea en New Mexico Legal Aid y vea guías sencillas en Law Help NM. Para órdenes de protección, use los formularios y pasos en Cortes de Nuevo México – Violencia Doméstica. Para manutención de menores, llame a 1‑800‑283‑4465 y visite HCA/HSD – Child Support. Si le van a cortar la luz, gas o agua, entregue un certificado médico y/o presente una queja formal ante la Comisión de Regulación Pública; vea la regla 17.5.410 NMAC. Para intérpretes gratuitos y accesibilidad, visite Servicios de Acceso Lingüístico. Si necesita apoyo emocional 24/7, llame a la Línea de Crisis y Acceso de Nuevo México 1‑855‑662‑7474 en NMCAL.
Nota: Esta traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA; confirme detalles en los sitios oficiales vinculados. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws, funding, and office hours can change quickly. Always confirm the latest details with the linked agencies and consider getting advice from a licensed New Mexico attorney through New Mexico Legal Aid, the Modest Means Helpline, or your local court Self‑Help Center before filing. (newmexicolegalaid.org)

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