Family Law

Stephen P. Eaton, Attorney at Law
4110 Wolcott Ave. NE, Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Telephone: (505) 837-9200
Fax: (505) 884-8344
E-mail: seaton2@swcp.com

Stephen P. Eaton, Attorney at Law offers specialized and individualized legal services to clients in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our office is located at the Journal Center in Albuquerque, and our clients reside in the neighboring counties and throughout the state. We practice mainly in the area of family law and provide our clients with the best representation and counsel available in this area. The following is a non-exhaustive alphabetical listing of some of the family law related services we provide:

• Abuse - Our law firm helps the victims of any form of family abuse by filing charges on their behalf or representing them in different proceedings. There are many forms of abuse, some of which might not leave any physical scars, but are equally painful. We will fight to ensure that the abuse stops and that the perpetrator is held accountable.
  
  
• Adoption - For many couples who are incapable of having a biological child of their own, the adoption process offers an alternative route to the same destination: that of experiencing the joy and warmth of child-rearing. Attorney Stephen P. Eaton has considerable experience cutting through the red tape and helping families adopt children both here in the United States and overseas.
  
  
• Alimony (Spousal Support) - After the dissolution of a marriage, the courts usually take a number of factors into consideration when deciding how to allocate resources between the former spouses. We can help our clients win spousal support (maintenance) from their ex-spouses by pointing to their income, education level, potential to acquire new skills, contribution to the failed marriage, and general responsibilities. We can use these to make a strong argument requesting the court to grant, renew, or increase the support payment you are receiving from your ex-spouse.
  
  
• Annulment - It is sometimes necessary to declare certain relationships legally null and void. However, it is important to do so following the proper procedures in order to avoid severe consequences down the line. Having a good attorney such as Stephen P. Eaton take control of the situation right from the start can save you from future embarrassment and frustration.
  
  
• Blood Tests - In certain circumstances, a blood test may be necessary to determine the true nature of a relationship between different individuals in the same family. When faced with such a delicate situation, you need an attorney with the proper combination of experience and sensitivity to handle things properly. Call us at (505) 837-9200 to find out what we can do to help.
  
  
• Child Custody - One of the most common dilemmas facing divorcing couples is who will have physical or legal custody over any child or children. Even in the midst of the tension and bitterness that usually attend divorces, these things can be worked out between competent and experienced attorneys. Contact us and let us do the negotiating for you.
  
  
• Child Support - Divorced or unwed parents sometimes need to be reminded to pay for the support of their children. It helps when the reminder comes from the courts and enforcement agencies. Our law firm has the expertise to make such claims on our clients' behalf and to win reasonable settlements for them.
  
  
• Division of Assets - When a marriage breaks down and the assets need to be divided, it is best to let cooler heads prevail. At the law firm of Stephen P. Eaton, Attorney at Law, we have extensive experience in this area. We will work with our clients to identify their objectives, and craft a strategy to obtain the desired results.
  
  
• Divorce - The dissolution of marriages has become an all-too-common reality in today's world. When this happens to one of our clients, we can assist them by ensuring that their interests are protected. We will negotiate or litigate on their behalf and see to it that any divorce decree or settlement is fair.
  
  
• Domestic Violence - Always alert the authorities if ever you become the victim of domestic abuse. If you decide to pursue legal action against your abuser, call us at (505) 837-9200 to assist you. You should also call us and the authorities if you feel there are little children suffering from domestic violence.
  
  
• Enforcement of Court Orders - Judges' orders (e.g., for child support or alimony) do not always automatically implement themselves. They sometimes need to be put into action by the law enforcement agencies. Attorney Stephen P. Eaton knows how to go about enforcing court orders to his clients' advantage. Call today and benefit from his expertise.
  
  
• Father's Rights - Even when a father is not married to his child's mother, he is entitled to certain basic rights. This could be a two-way street, however, as those rights are typically accompanied by responsibilities. At our law firm, we know where the distinction lies and we will help our clients secure respect for their rights.
  
  
• Paternity Suit - Just as a father has rights, so too does he have responsibilities. If he fails to live up to them, the mother of his child or children can ask us to bring legal action on their behalf. The courts can then force the father to assume his paternal responsibilities.
  
  
• Termination of Parental Rights - It is possible under certain circumstances to terminate the rights of a parent over his or her child. We can assist our clients on either side of such a tough legal battle by ensuring that the process is conducted in a fair manner and that the child's best interests are taken into consideration.
  
  
• Visitation Rights - A non-custodial parent has the right to visit with his or her children. However, the time, place, duration, and other circumstances surrounding such visits need to be negotiated. At the law firm of Stephen P. Eaton, Attorney at Law, we have the proper set of skills and experience to negotiate mutually satisfactory visitation schedules between parents living separately.

If you have any questions or worries concerning any matter related to family law, contact us today and we will work with you in a prompt, efficient, and cost-effective manner to ensure your full satisfaction.