New Mexico Custody Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions regarding the custody and visitation rights for a child or children involved in a divorce or separation case in the state of New Mexico. This agreement aims to ensure the well-being and best interests of the child while settling the parental responsibilities between the parents or legal guardians. In New Mexico, there are primarily two types of custody agreements: 1. Legal Custody: This type of custody arrangement determines which parent or legal guardian will make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, religious practices, and general welfare. Legal custody can be joint, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities, or sole, where one parent has the authority to make decisions unilaterally. 2. Physical Custody: Physical custody refers to where the child resides primarily and determines the amount of time the child spends with each parent. It can be joint, where the child spends significant time with both parents, or sole, where the child resides primarily with one parent and has visitation time with the other parent. Some additional keywords that could be relevant to describing New Mexico Custody Agreement include: — Child Support: The agreement may also address the financial support provided by one parent to the other for the child's expenses. — Visitation Schedule: This outlines the specific times and dates when the noncustodial parent will have visitation rights to spend time with the child. — Parenting Plan: A comprehensive plan that includes details such as holidays, vacations, transportation arrangements, and communication methods between both parents. — Mediation: The process of resolving disputes and reaching an agreement with the help of a neutral third-party mediator. — Modification: The ability to request changes to the custody agreement based on significant life changes or new circumstances. — Custody Evaluation: An assessment conducted by a professional to determine the child's best interests and factors relevant to custody arrangements. — Grandparent Visitation: If appropriate, the agreement may address visitation rights for grandparents or other extended family members. — Domestic Violence: If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, the agreement may include provisions to protect the child's safety and well-being. It is crucial for parents going through a divorce or separation in New Mexico to seek legal advice and consider the unique circumstances of their situation when drafting a custody agreement.