Bill > HB503

This bill amends the existing Domestic Relations Mediation Program in New Mexico to explicitly guarantee parents the right to legal representation during various stages of mediation. Specifically, parents participating in the program will now have the right to be represented by counsel and have their lawyer present during advisory consultations, priority consultations, evaluations, and mediation sessions. The bill makes minor technical changes to the existing law's formatting, such as renumbering the subsections, but does not substantively alter other provisions of the program. These mediation programs, which can be established by judicial districts with supreme court approval, help parents resolve domestic relations issues involving children. Parents can be referred to the program by court order and are expected to pay for the services on a sliding fee scale based on their ability to pay. The primary purpose of the bill appears to be ensuring that parents have access to legal counsel during what can be a complex and emotionally challenging process of resolving child-related disputes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=503&year=25