Affordable Divorce & Child Custody Help

At Affordable Law, a divorce and custody case typically costs around $1,200. Of course, fees will vary depending on the services you need, but as much as possible, I try to handle each case in a manner that will save my client money and aggravation. Contact me today for a free initial consultation about what kind of help you need and how much.

New Mexico Child Custody Attorney Larry Leshin

Divorce lawyers earn a lot of money taking divorce cases to court. And a great deal of that court time is spent waiting for the few minutes when the case will actually go before a judge. That could be a 4-hour wait, and the client is paying $175, $200, $250 an hour!

At Affordable Law, I provide truly cost-effective family law services for people seeking a divorce and child custody agreement. I represent or assist people in Albuquerque and surrounding communities such as Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Gallup and Taos. Contact me for a free initial consultation about how I can help you.

Uncontested Divorce

The least expensive divorce is an uncontested divorce, when the two partners both want the divorce and are in agreement on all or most issues.

An uncontested New Mexico divorce can often be accomplished for as little as $400 per person. When the two parties agree, New Mexico family court judges are usually willing to sign off on that agreement.

If you and your former partner both want the divorce but you still have some disagreement about the details, I can assist you in mediation to reach an agreement (although I am still only working for one party), or I can give you a referral to a mediator. Mediation can be a very cost-effective way to avoid litigation and reach agreement. Contact my Albuquerque law office to learn more.

Assistance with Taking a Child Custody Case to Court Pro Se

Sometimes couples cannot agree on child custody arrangements and need the help of the family law judge. Even in these circumstances, I am able to help my clients minimize their legal fees by preparing their paperwork, filing on their behalf, and then advising and assisting them in representing themselves in court. This is legal, and it is called appearing pro se (which means that you are acting as your own attorney). I often give clients a flat fee for assistance as they represent themselves pro se.

Pro se is not for everyone, but it may very well work for you. Many times members of the couple can do a better job of presenting their case in court because they are more knowledgeable about their circumstances. If you'd like to know more about pro se, call my office at (505) 255-4859.

Modification of Child Custody Orders

Albuquerque divorce court uses a “court clinic” (a social service agency built into divorce court), to advise on child custody decisions. Albuquerque is the only county to have court clinic, but other counties have other things. It is the role of court clinic to evaluate the parents, without their lawyers, in order to give the court a recommendation.

As a child custody attorney, I work closely with my clients in initial divorce proceedings, and in subsequent court appearances when they are seeking a modification of a child custody order or a child support order. I prepare my clients to give accurate and persuasive testimony before the court clinic and the judge who will make the ruling. I also complete required paperwork for my clients.

Contact my Albuquerque law office for free initial consultation. Learn more about my affordable and effective approach to helping clients achieve their legal goals.