New Mexico Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using New Mexico's official guidelines
About New Mexico's Guidelines
Income Shares Model
Note: Uses gross income with specific custody arrangements
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a New Mexico family law attorney for official calculations.
Official New Mexico Court Forms
Download official court forms from the New Mexico judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official New Mexico court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
New Mexico Child Support Guidelines
New Mexico uses the New Mexico Child Support Guidelines (NMSA § 40-4-11.1) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined gross income.
New Mexico has several distinctive features in its child support system. New Mexico uses gross income from all sources including military housing allowances. The state has a specific provision for "imputed income" when a parent is voluntarily underemployed based on earning capacity. New Mexico requires courts to make specific findings on the record when deviating from the guidelines.
New Mexico bases calculations on gross income — meaning income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other sources. The self-support reserve in New Mexico is $1,200/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How New Mexico Calculates Child Support
New Mexico follows a 6-step process under the New Mexico Child Support Guidelines (NMSA § 40-4-11.1):
- 1
Calculate each parent's gross monthly income
- 2
Subtract pre-existing child support and spousal support paid
- 3
Combine adjusted incomes and find the basic obligation
- 4
Prorate based on each parent's income share
- 5
Apply shared responsibility adjustment if 128+ overnights
- 6
Add childcare and health insurance proportionally
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in New Mexico
Self-Support Reserve
$1,200/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
gross
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $248 | $360 | $430 |
| $3,000 | $448 | $653 | $792 |
| $5,000 | $655 | $960 | $1,168 |
| $8,000 | $908 | $1,338 | $1,626 |
| $12,000 | $1,178 | $1,742 | $2,120 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in New Mexico
New Mexico recognizes "Shared Responsibility" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under New Mexico's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 128 overnights, New Mexico generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Child Support
How does New Mexico handle military income?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in New Mexico
While child support is determined by New Mexico's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In New Mexico, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
New Mexico allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in New Mexico
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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