From the very first day a New Mexican becomes a parent, he or she will work as hard as they can to protect his or her child, ensuring that the child’s best interests are met. When parents divorce, a mother and father will continue to work hard to meet those needs. However, divorcing parents will have to be flexible.

Flexibility means coming together, if possible, to reach a workable child custody arrangement. Whether it is through negotiation, collaboration or litigation a child custody order arrived at during dissolution does not have to be the end all.

Although, a non-custodial parent in New Mexico or elsewhere might feel as though he or she does not have the same rights and opportunities as the custodial parent does, it is important to note that even non-custodial parents have rights and access to their children. Moreover, if a non-custodial parent or a parent in a joint custody arrangement believes that a current order no longer serves the best interests of everyone involved, he or she could petition to have the order modified.

Custody modifications are possible if there is proof that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. This could mean a parental move, change in job, unemployment or changes to the child’s schedule. At the law offices of Atkinson & Kelsey, P.A., our legal team is dedicated to helping parents in the Albuquerque area with family law issues pertaining to child custody, child support and other divorce issues.

To learn more, check out our law firm’s child custody website. Whether one is currently working on a custody arrangement, have one in place, seek to modify a current order or to enforce a current custody order, it is important to understand the rights afforded to parents. This will serve to protect parental rights, while also serving the best interests of the children involved.