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New Mexico Child Support Calculator (2026)

In New Mexico, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-31

Source: NM Guidelines (NMSA 1978 § 40-4-11.1)

Calculate Your New Mexico Child Support

Free estimate — official New Mexico guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in New Mexico?

If you make $60,000 a year in New Mexico, child support for 1 child is estimated at $661 per month ($7,932 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $616/month for 1 child.

New Mexico Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $536/mo $808/mo $969/mo
$50,000/yr $606/mo $911/mo $1,088/mo
$60,000/yr $661/mo $989/mo $1,177/mo
$70,000/yr $708/mo $1,052/mo $1,241/mo
$80,000/yr $779/mo $1,151/mo $1,350/mo
$100,000/yr $894/mo $1,324/mo $1,553/mo
$120,000/yr $1,008/mo $1,476/mo $1,715/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in New Mexico

Factors That Affect Child Support in New Mexico

Both parents' gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time schedule (timesharing)
Other child support or alimony obligations
Extraordinary medical, educational, or other expenses
Income from all sources including self-employment
Technical details and legal basis

New Mexico uses the Income Shares model (NM Guidelines (NMSA 1978 § 40-4-11.1)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for New Mexico

  • New Mexico uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • New Mexico allows adjustments for work-related child care, health insurance for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses.
  • The court may deviate from the guidelines when strict application would be unjust or inappropriate.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in New Mexico

  • New Mexico uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from $60/month (SSR minimum, combined income up to $1,450) to $2,956/month at $40,000 combined monthly income (NMAC 8.50.108, 2024).
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • New Mexico includes adjustments for health insurance, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.
  • Courts may deviate from the guidelines when strict application would be unjust or inappropriate given the circumstances.

New Mexico Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in New Mexico?
New Mexico uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and parenting time.
What income is used for New Mexico child support?
New Mexico uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, retirement benefits, Social Security, and workers' compensation. The court may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Does shared custody affect child support in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico considers timesharing (parenting time) in the child support calculation. When both parents share significant parenting time, the court may adjust the support obligation to account for the increased direct costs each parent incurs during their custodial periods.
Can New Mexico courts deviate from the child support guidelines?
Yes, New Mexico courts may deviate from the guidelines if applying them would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors for deviation include the child's special needs, substantial parenting time adjustments, voluntary income reductions, and significant income disparities.
How long does child support last in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still attending high school. Support may continue for children with disabilities. The court may also order support for educational expenses beyond high school in some circumstances.
Is this New Mexico child support calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. This calculator uses New Mexico's official 2024 child support schedule (NMAC 8.50.108 Appendix 1, effective January 1, 2024), which is still the current schedule. The figures were last verified against the New Mexico Courts and Human Services Department sources on May 31, 2026.
How much is child support in New Mexico for 1 child?
It depends on the parents' combined gross monthly income. At the self-support reserve minimum of $1,450 combined income, the basic obligation for 1 child is $60 per month. At $5,000 combined income it rises to $819 per month, and at $10,000 combined income it's $1,184 per month, based on New Mexico's official 2024 guidelines schedule.
Does the New Mexico child support calculator include alimony or spousal support?
No, this calculator estimates child support only. Alimony, called spousal support in New Mexico, is decided separately by the court using different factors, such as the length of the marriage and each spouse's earning capacity.
What factors determine child support in New Mexico?
New Mexico bases child support on both parents' gross monthly incomes, the number of children, health insurance costs for the children, and work-related child care costs. Courts also consider the parenting time schedule, other child support or alimony obligations, and any extraordinary medical or educational expenses.
What is New Mexico's self-support reserve for child support?
New Mexico sets a self-support reserve of $1,200 per month ($14,400 per year) under SB223. Below this income level, the basic child support obligation is scaled to a flat minimum so the paying parent retains enough income to cover their own basic needs.

About This Calculator

Uses the official NM Guidelines (NMSA 1978 § 40-4-11.1) (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by New Mexico courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per NM Guidelines (NMSA 1978 § 40-4-11.1).

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