New Mexico Statutes 40-4A-13. Expedited process
A. Any action for enforcement, establishment or modification of a child support obligation shall be given priority in scheduling for hearing. A hearing or trial shall be scheduled before the court or an authorized quasi-judicial officer within sixty days of the filing of the request for hearing; provided, however, a petition to stay service shall be resolved in accordance with Subsection A of Section 9 [40-4A-9 N.M. Stat. Ann.] of the Support Enforcement Act.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 40-4A-13
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
B. The powers of an authorized quasi-judicial officer shall include at a minimum: (1) authority to take testimony and establish a record;
(2) authority to evaluate evidence and make initial decisions and recommendations; and
(3) authority to accept voluntary acknowledgement of support liability and to approve stipulated agreements to pay support.
C. If a party seeks to invoke the contempt powers of the court, the matter shall not be delegated to an authorized quasi-judicial officer.
D. Failure to meet the time requirements shall not constitute a defense to the action for support.