Child Support in New Mexico

New Mexico Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:

Domestic violence: Call New Mexico Crisis Line at 1-800-432-2159
Immediate legal help: New Mexico Legal Aid at 1-833-545-4357
Crisis assistance: 211 New Mexico (dial 2-1-1)
Emergency food: Roadrunner Food Bank at 505-247-2052

Quick Action Steps:

Apply for child support today: Call New Mexico CSSD at 1-800-283-4465
Apply online: Visit YES.NM.GOV for 24/7 access
Calculate potential support: Use the New Mexico Child Support Worksheet
Get free legal help: Contact New Mexico Legal Aid

Main Points

✅ New Mexico uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes are considered for calculations¹

✅ 2024 guidelines include self-support reserve – protects low-income paying parents from unmanageable obligations²

✅ $119 million collected in fiscal year 2025 – 99% goes directly to families rather than public assistance recoveries³

✅ No application fees – child support services are provided at no cost to families⁴

✅ Multiple enforcement tools available – wage withholding, license suspension, asset seizure, and more⁵

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school⁶

✅ Online case management – YES.NM.GOV portal for applications and case updates⁷

Understanding New Mexico Child Support in 2025

What Makes New Mexico’s System Work for Single Mothers

New Mexico’s Child Support Services Division (CSSD) collected $119 million for children and families in fiscal year 2025, with 99% of the money going directly to families rather than toward public assistance recoveries. This impressive track record means the system actually works to get money to children who need it.

Currently, New Mexico has approximately 50,000 active child support cases. In 2024, the program collected $119.2 million, with 98 percent of funds going directly to families. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real families getting the financial support their children deserve.

Major 2024 Updates That Help Single Mothers

New Mexico announced comprehensive updates to the Basic Child Support Schedule for 2024, introducing a new self-support reserve for paying parents and considering more current economic data related to the costs involved in raising children.

What this means for you:

Self-support reserve: Designed to ensure that paying parents, particularly those near or below poverty, face a manageable financial obligation, which can lead to more consistent payments
Updated economic data: Child support amounts now reflect current costs of raising children
Labor market considerations: Labor market data shows that many low-wage jobs offer less than 40-hour work weeks, for example, in New Mexico the average is 34.1 hours per week, so income calculations are more realistic

Reality Check: These changes can result in increases or decreases depending on your income level, but they’re designed to create more sustainable payment arrangements.

Who Can Apply for New Mexico Child Support Services

You can apply for child support services if you are:

A custodial parent with physical custody of a child under 18
A legal guardian or caretaker with custody
Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within time limits)
A relative caring for a child

Important: Either parent can apply for child support. The CSSD offers applications online, over the phone at 1-800-283-4465, or in person with an appointment at one of their field offices.

How Much New Mexico Child Support Can You Actually Get?

New Mexico Income Shares Model Explained

New Mexico child support guidelines use complex formulas to establish a uniform fee schedule based on the combined income of both parents. Here’s how it works:

Factor	How It’s Used	Example Impact
Combined gross income	Both parents’ incomes added together	$2,000 + $3,000 = $5,000 total
Number of children	More children = higher total support	1 child: basic obligation varies by income
Custody arrangement	Less than 35% time vs. shared custody	Standard vs. reduced obligation
Additional expenses	Childcare, health insurance, medical costs	Added to base support amount

2025 New Mexico Child Support Amounts (Basic Support Schedule)

Based on the current New Mexico Basic Child Support Schedule:

Parents’ Combined Monthly Income	1 Child	2 Children	3 Children	4 Children
$1,500	$299	$418	$476	$516
$2,500	$458	$664	$781	$863
$3,500	$541	$781	$917	$1,013
$5,000	$663	$954	$1,117	$1,234
$7,500	$860	$1,236	$1,444	$1,596
$10,000	$1,083	$1,575	$1,836	$2,031

Reality Check: These are base amounts before considering each parent’s share. Each parent is responsible for a share of the basic child support obligation in proportion to their adjusted gross income.

Real-World Example: How Your Income Affects What You Receive

EXAMPLE: Pat makes $2,000 per month. Jordan makes $3,000 per month. Their combined gross monthly income is $5,000. So Pat’s income makes up 40% ($2,000/$5,000) of the total, and Jordan’s income makes up 60% ($3,000/$5,000). They have two children. Looking up their combined income of $5,000 on the child support obligation table, their base combined child support obligation is $1,221. Pat is responsible for 40% ($488.40) of the base monthly child support obligation.

What this means: If you’re Pat (the lower earner), Jordan would pay you the difference between the total obligation and your share.

Custody Time Calculations Matter

If they have at least 35% of the timesharing schedule, they pay a reduced support amount. This is calculated using “24-hour days” the child spends with each parent, a number that must total 365.

Time Thresholds:

Less than 35% time (127 days): Standard child support using Worksheet A
35% or more time (128+ days): Reduced support using Worksheet B

How to Apply for New Mexico Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

Child’s certified birth certificate
Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefits statements)
Information about the other parent:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Current and previous addresses
- Employer information
- Phone numbers and email addresses
Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)
Medical insurance information for you and your child

Expert Tip: The more complete information you provide about the other parent, the faster CSSD can locate them and establish support.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

Option 1: Online Application (Recommended)

Visit YES.NM.GOV
Apply, manage cases, upload documents, and make payments online
Available 24/7 for your convenience
Fastest processing time

Option 2: Phone Application

Call Consolidated Customer Service Center: 1-800-283-4465
Speak with a caseworker who can help with your application
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Option 3: In-Person Application

Visit your local CSSD field office
Offices are open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring all required documents
Get immediate assistance from staff

Step 3: Work with Your CSSD Caseworker

CSSD offers a variety of services to both parents, such as establishing paternity, setting support orders, modification of existing orders, calculating arrears (backpay), maintaining balances, and payment collection/distribution.

Your caseworker will:

Review your case and contact you for any additional information
Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
Begin enforcement once an order is in place

What to Expect Timeline:

Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 2-4 months
Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state’s cooperation

Understanding New Mexico Child Support Costs and Services

No Fees for Child Support Services

Unlike many other states, New Mexico provides comprehensive child support services at no cost to families. This includes:

Service Type	Cost to You	What’s Included
Application	Free	Initial case setup and processing
Paternity establishment	Free	Voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
Court order establishment	Free	Legal filing and court proceedings
Payment processing	Free	Collection and distribution of payments
Enforcement services	Free	All enforcement tools and remedies
Case modifications	Free	Reviews and updates to support orders

Why Services Are Free

The program has evolved tremendously since 1975, and we’re proud that 99% of the money we collect goes directly to families rather than toward public assistance recoveries. New Mexico prioritizes getting money to children, not collecting fees from struggling families.

How You’ll Receive Your New Mexico Child Support Payments

Payment Methods Available

Parents who are receiving child support payments can have CSSD deposit them directly in their bank account or receive a pre-paid credit card.

Option 1: Direct Deposit

Money goes directly to your bank account
Fastest access to funds
No fees for basic banking transactions
Set up through your CSSD caseworker

Option 2: Prepaid Debit Card

No bank account required
Funds loaded as payments are received
Can be used anywhere debit cards are accepted
Alternative if you don’t have traditional banking

Income Withholding – The Most Effective Method

65% came through wage withholdings from employed parents. Nearly all child support orders in New Mexico allow for income withholding, meaning support is taken directly from the obliger’s paycheck.

How wage withholding works:

Automatic deduction from the paying parent’s paycheck
Employer sends money directly to CSSD
You receive payments through your chosen method
Continues even if the paying parent changes jobs

When New Mexico Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What New Mexico CSSD Can Do to Collect Support

CSSD’s goal is to encourage cooperation and compliance with court orders, not to punish non-custodial parties. However, they have powerful tools when payments don’t come:

Enforcement Method	How It Works	Effectiveness
Wage Withholding	Wage garnishments if non-custodial parties are employed	Most effective – 65% of collections
License Suspension	Suspension of driver’s, professional, hunting and fishing, or other licenses	High compliance rate
Asset Seizure	Bank account freezing and seizure	Very effective for significant arrears
Tax Intercepts	Federal and state tax refund seizure	Seasonal but substantial
Credit Reporting	Reports to credit bureaus	Long-term financial impact
Property Liens	Liens on real estate and vehicles	Prevents sales/refinancing
Contempt of Court	Pursuit of civil contempt through the court and a bench warrant	Last resort with jail time possible

STEPUp Program for Unemployed Parents

The Supporting, Training, and Employing Parents Upwards (STEPUp!) program is designed to help parents get training and find new employment. If you are unable to meet your obligation due to a lack of employment, enforcement can be delayed through compliance with our Stepup program.

This helps ensure parents can actually pay support rather than just accumulating debt.

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments
Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
Stay in regular contact with your caseworker
Use YES.NM.GOV to check payment status and case updates
Document any evidence of the other parent’s ability to pay

Modifying Your New Mexico Child Support Order

When You Can Request a Modification

Either parent can request a review by CSED of the support order once every three years. You can also request a modification sooner if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances.

What qualifies as substantial change:

A substantial change in income, a change in expenses for the child, or changes in custody or visitation schedules
Applying the child support guidelines to the current circumstances would result in a 20% increase or decrease in the amount of support, and more than a year has passed since the preexisting order was filed

The Modification Process

Step 1: Contact CSSD

Call your caseworker at 1-800-283-4465
Explain the changed circumstances
Provide documentation of the changes

Step 2: Submit Required Information

Every child support order requires the parties to exchange financial information annually upon the written request of either parent
Updated income information for both parents
Documentation of changed expenses or custody arrangements

Step 3: CSSD Review

Any modification recommended by CSSD must be approved by a judge
Court hearing may be required
New order issued if modification is approved

Reality Check: Don’t wait to request a modification if your circumstances have genuinely changed. Continuing to pay an incorrect amount can create problems for both you and the other parent.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in New Mexico

New Mexico child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The state has strong non-discrimination protections that extend to family law matters.

Same-sex couples who were married: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or adoption papers, both may have support obligations under New Mexico law.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
Court determination of parental rights
Review of sperm/egg donor agreements

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

Equality New Mexico: 505-803-1914 or equalitynewmexico.org
ACLU of New Mexico: 505-266-5915

Native American and Tribal Connections

New Mexico has significant Native American populations and tribal lands. If your case involves tribal connections:

Tribal jurisdiction considerations: Cases involving children who are enrolled tribal members or eligible for enrollment may require coordination with tribal courts or child support agencies.

Interstate tribal cases: CSSD works with the federal Office of Tribal Services and tribal child support agencies when the other parent lives on tribal land.

Contact for tribal cases: CSSD at 1-800-283-4465 can coordinate with federal tribal services and explain jurisdictional issues.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to CSSD offices:

Phone services available: 1-800-283-4465 for consultations
Online services: YES.NM.GOV for 24/7 access
Documents by mail/fax: Most paperwork can be submitted remotely
Mobile services: CSSD occasionally visits rural communities

Internet access limitations:

Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
CSSD phone support: Assistance with online applications
Community centers: Many rural areas have public computer access

Language accessibility:

Interpretation services are available in 58 languages through their provider, CTS Language Link
For hearing and speech impaired customers, they utilize Relay New Mexico, a free 24-hour service

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under New Mexico child support law. The application process, fees (or lack thereof), and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Resources for single fathers:

New Mexico Legal Aid: 1-833-545-4357
Same CSSD services: All services available without discrimination
Support groups: Available through community organizations

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About New Mexico Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: How much does it cost to apply for child support services in New Mexico? A: Child support services are provided at no cost to families. There are no application fees, service fees, or charges for enforcement activities.

Q: Do I have to be a New Mexico resident to get child support through New Mexico CSSD? A: You don’t have to be a New Mexico resident to apply if the other parent lives in New Mexico or if there’s a New Mexico court order. CSSD can work with other states through interstate agreements.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: CSSD has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, motor vehicle registrations, and other state and federal resources. Provide any information you have, even if it’s outdated.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. CSSD can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does the Income Shares Model work in New Mexico? A: The basic child support obligation shall be calculated based on the combined income of both parents and shall be paid by them proportionately. Both parents’ incomes are combined to determine the total support needed, then each pays their percentage share.

Q: What counts as “income” for New Mexico child support calculations? A: “Gross income” includes income from any source and includes but is not limited to income from salaries, wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, annuities, capital gains, social security benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, unemployment insurance benefits.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes, but there are limits. Courts can order retroactive support, but the specific timeframe depends on your situation and when you file. Don’t delay in applying.

Q: What if the other parent claims they’re unemployed or can’t afford to pay? A: If a court finds that a parent has willfully failed to obtain or maintain appropriate employment or is willfully underemployed, the court may impute to that parent an income equal to that parent’s earning and employment potential.

About Payments and Problems

Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly:

Cases with wage withholding: 4-8 weeks after order is entered
Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on cooperation

Q: What happens if the other parent stops paying child support? A: When CSSD has not received complete and timely payments, they can use multiple enforcement tools including wage withholding, license suspension, asset seizure, and contempt of court proceedings.

Q: How do I switch my payment method from prepaid card to direct deposit? A: Contact your CSSD caseworker at 1-800-283-4465 to change your payment method. You’ll need to provide bank account information for direct deposit setup.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent moves to another state? A: CSSD can work with child support agencies in all 50 states. The New Mexico order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement through interstate agreements.

Q: Can CSSD help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. CSSD only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact New Mexico Legal Aid at 1-833-545-4357 or file directly with the family court.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: Income may not be imputed to a parent if the parent is incarcerated for a period of one hundred eighty days or longer. Incarceration is not considered a voluntary unemployment. However, the obligation continues to accrue unless modified by the court.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: Either parent can request a review by CSED of the support order once every three years. For earlier modifications, you need to show substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change or custody modification.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal or request a modification if circumstances warrant it. Contact New Mexico Legal Aid at 1-833-545-4357 for assistance with appeals or modifications.

Q: Can child support be reduced if the other parent can’t pay? A: If you believe the child support obligation is not appropriate, you are welcome to request a modification from your caseworker. Only the court can modify payments, and only with proper legal grounds and documentation.

Complete New Mexico Child Support Resources and Contact Information

New Mexico CSSD Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Main CSSD Line: 1-800-283-4465
Email: Child.support@hca.nm.gov
Online Portal: YES.NM.GOV
Main Website: hca.nm.gov/lookingforassistance/child_support
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

New Mexico Legal Aid: 1-833-545-4357 | nmlegalaid.org
State Bar of New Mexico Lawyer Referral: 505-797-6021
New Mexico Courts Self-Help: nmcourts.gov
Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy: New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-773-3645

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Equality New Mexico: 505-803-1914 | equalitynewmexico.org
ACLU of New Mexico: 505-266-5915 | aclu-nm.org

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

New Mexico Human Services Department: 1-800-283-4465 | hsd.state.nm.us
New Mexico 211 (Local Resources): Dial 2-1-1 or nm211.org
Roadrunner Food Bank: 505-247-2052 | rrfb.org
New Mexico Single Parent Scholarship: Various local programs available

Utility and Housing Assistance:

New Mexico LIHEAP (Energy Assistance): 1-800-283-4465
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority: 505-843-6880 | housingnm.org

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

New Mexico Crisis Line: 1-800-432-2159
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

New Mexico Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-333-7233
New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department: cyfd.state.nm.us

Online Tools and Resources

Official New Mexico Resources:

Child Support Application: YES.NM.GOV
New Mexico Court Forms: nmcourts.gov/forms-files/child-support
Child Support Guidelines: hca.nm.gov/lookingforinformation/child-support-enforcement-division-1
Field Office Locations: hca.nm.gov/lookingforassistance/field_offices

Benefits Information:

New Mexico Benefits Portal: hsd.state.nm.us
SNAP Benefits: 1-800-283-4465

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

Interpretation services are available in 58 languages through CTS Language Link
Spanish-speaking CSSD staff available at most offices

Disability Accommodations:

Relay New Mexico: free 24-hour service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled
Commission for the Blind: 505-827-4479
Disability Rights New Mexico: drn.org | 1-800-432-4682

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This New Mexico guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including New Mexico Health Care Authority, New Mexico Child Support Services Division, New Mexico Courts, New Mexico Legal Aid, and federal sources to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official New Mexico Health Care Authority, New Mexico Child Support Services Division, New Mexico Courts, New Mexico Legal Aid, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about New Mexico child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

Verify current information with the New Mexico Child Support Services Division at 1-800-283-4465
Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
Report changes in your circumstances to CSSD promptly
Review your case regularly through YES.NM.GOV or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
May not apply to every individual situation or case
Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to New Mexico child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact New Mexico CSSD directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact New Mexico CSSD at 1-800-283-4465 or visit hca.nm.gov/lookingforassistance/child_support.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ New Mexico Statutes Section 40-4-11.1 (Income Shares Model)
² New Mexico Health Care Authority, State announces modernized child support guidelines for 2024
³ New Mexico Health Care Authority, August is Child Support Awareness Month 2025
⁴ New Mexico Child Support Services Division fee structure
⁵ New Mexico Health Care Authority, Enforcement Remedies
⁶ New Mexico Statutes Section 40-4-7 (Child support duration)
⁷ YES.NM.GOV Child Support Portal

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