These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Listen first
You can say"Lots of parents fall behind. There are ways to lower payments and get back on track. Hiding from it makes it worse."
You can ask"Do you have a case with New Mexico Child Support Services, or a court order?"
You can ask"Has your income changed? Did you lose a job, get hurt, or spend time in jail?"
You can ask"Is your driver's license suspended?"
2Call Child Support Services
Help them call and get their case number, what they owe, and their caseworker's name.
NM Health Care Authority - Child Support Services Division
Child support (in-state line)
800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite B, Silver City · Silver City office Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (closed state holidays); phone payment answers 24/7
You can say"Pay something every month, even a little. It shows good faith."
3Ask to lower the payment
If their income went down, they can ask for a modification review.
NM Health Care Authority - Child Support Services Division
Child support modification review (lower an order after income loss or jail)
800-283-4465
Ask right away. A lower amount usually starts only from the date they ask. It does not erase past debt.
Bring
- Case number
- proof of income or job loss
- benefit letters
- release papers if they were in jail
Grant County District Court (Sixth Judicial District) - Clerk's Office
District court clerk, self-help forms and pro se review
575-538-3250 ext. 2
201 N. Cooper St. (Grant County Courthouse), Silver City · Court Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Clerk Mon-Fri 8am-4pm (open over lunch)
4Settle old debt owed to the state
Some old debt is owed to the State, not the other parent. The Fresh Start program can settle it for less.
NM Health Care Authority - Child Support Services Division
Fresh Start Arrears Management Program (settle state-owed child support debt)
800-283-4465
5Get a job and get the license back
Out of work, with a license suspended or at risk? Ask CSSD about STEPUp!. Taking part can get a certificate to stop a suspension or get the license back.
NM Health Care Authority - Child Support Services Divisionnot yet confirmed: call first
STEPUp! job help to keep or get back a license suspended for child support
1-800-283-4465
NM Workforce Connection - Silver City (America's Job Center)
Job search, training and unemployment help
575-538-3737
420 W. Broadway St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm (may close 12-1 for lunch)
See the guide "Needs a job".
6Get legal help
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
New Mexico State Bar Foundation - Modest Means Helpline
Legal advice and lawyer referrals for low and moderate income people
505-797-6013 or 888-857-9935
· Mon-Fri 8am-5pm MT (leave voicemail)
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.