How child support is calculated in New Mexico

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

New Mexico uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Support is based on both parents' gross (before-tax) monthly incomes added together.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official New Mexico child support calculator

The official New Mexico calculator

Support is based on both parents' gross (before-tax) monthly incomes added together. A basic child support schedule sets the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and time-sharing are also counted on the worksheet. Since January 1, 2024 the schedule is set by state rule.

Law: 8.50.108.10 NMAC; NMSA 1978, § 40-4-11.1 (guidelines and worksheet); 8.50.108.10 NMAC (basic schedule and self-support reserve, effective Jan. 1, 2024)

We don't estimate New Mexico's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official New Mexico child support calculator

What goes into support in New Mexico

Support is based on both parents' gross (before-tax) monthly incomes added together. A basic child support schedule sets the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and time-sharing are also counted on the worksheet. Since January 1, 2024 the schedule is set by state rule.

Law: 8.50.108.10 NMAC; NMSA 1978, § 40-4-11.1 (guidelines and worksheet); 8.50.108.10 NMAC (basic schedule and self-support reserve, effective Jan. 1, 2024)

Low incomes in New Mexico

Since January 1, 2024 the schedule includes a self-support reserve of $1,200 a month for the paying parent. If the paying parent's income and number of children fall in the shaded area of the schedule, only that parent's income is used, and child care and medical add-ons are not added.

Law: 8.50.108.7 and 8.50.108.10 NMAC

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

Health insurance in New Mexico

State and federal law require medical support in every order. It can be private insurance (often through an employer), public coverage such as Medicaid, Indian Health Service or military (DEERS) coverage, cash medical support, or a split of uncovered medical costs.

Law: NMSA 1978, § 40-4C-4; CSSD Full Services Application

What the model means

The income-shares model looks up an amount for the parents' combined income, then splits it by each parent's share of that income. Parenting time and costs can change it.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

In nearby states

Steps to a support amount in New Mexico

  1. Gather income papers

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Use the official tool

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official New Mexico child support calculator.

  3. Count health and child care

    Insurance and child care often go on top of the basic amount.

  4. Ask for an order

    Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with New Mexico Health Care Authority, Child Support Services Division (CSSD) (1-800-283-4465) · Apply online

  5. Get help

    Ask for free help: New Mexico Courts HelpLine and New Mexico Legal Aid.

Where to get free help in New Mexico

Questions about the New Mexico guidelines

How is child support calculated in New Mexico?

Support is based on both parents' gross (before-tax) monthly incomes added together. A basic child support schedule sets the support for that combined income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to income. Child care, health insurance and time-sharing are also counted on the worksheet. Since January 1, 2024 the schedule is set by state rule.

Where is the New Mexico child support calculator?

Yes: Official New Mexico child support calculator.

What if the paying parent has a low income in New Mexico?

Since January 1, 2024 the schedule includes a self-support reserve of $1,200 a month for the paying parent. If the paying parent's income and number of children fall in the shaded area of the schedule, only that parent's income is used, and child care and medical add-ons are not added.

Is health insurance part of child support in New Mexico?

State and federal law require medical support in every order. It can be private insurance (often through an employer), public coverage such as Medicaid, Indian Health Service or military (DEERS) coverage, cash medical support, or a split of uncovered medical costs.

Keep reading about New Mexico

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources