Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted New Mexico Family Law Representation
Atkinson & Kelsey has been a trusted advocate in family law since 1967, dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Our firm prioritizes calm, objective representation to navigate complex emotional challenges like divorce, custody disputes, and high-asset divisions. With decades of experience, we combine analytical rigor and deep knowledge of New Mexico family law to protect clients' rights while fostering cooperative resolutions where possible. Recognized as pioneers in the field, we have authored authoritative texts like the New Mexico Divorce Manual and maintain AV Preeminent peer-review ratings through Martindale-Hubbell. Our commitment to ethical practice was honored with the Samaritan Counseling Center's Ethics in Business Award, and we remain the state's first and most experienced family law firm.We serve clients across New Mexico, including military families at bases like Kirtland Air Force Base, offering expertise in mediation, litigation, and appellate work. Our team includes specialists certified by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization and fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. We focus on long-term outcomes, guiding clients through property division, child custody arrangements, and prenuptial agreements with transparency and dedication. This enduring focus on client-centered advocacy has earned us recognition in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, ensuring clients receive both legal excellence and compassionate support.
Services
Divorce Mediation
Child Custody Disputes
High Net Worth Divorce
Military Family Law
Prenuptial Agreements
Property Division
Appellate Representation
Domestic Violence Cases
Relocation Disputes
Business Asset Valuation
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have over 55 years of exclusive experience in New Mexico family law
- Our attorneys are AV Preeminent peer-reviewed and certified specialists
- We authored the definitive New Mexico Divorce Manual used by legal professionals
- Recognized with the Samaritan Counseling Center's Ethics in Business Award
- We serve military families at all New Mexico bases with specialized expertise
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Proven track record
Knowledgeable attorneys
Ethical representation
Client-focused approach
Military law expertise
Services
Divorce Mediation
Our mediation services provide an alternative to traditional litigation for resolving divorce matters. We help couples reach mutually agreeable solutions regarding property division, child custody, and support arrangements while maintaining privacy and reducing conflict. This process is particularly beneficial for clients seeking cost-effective resolutions that preserve relationships for co-parenting purposes.
Child Custody Disputes
We represent clients in all child custody matters including initial determinations, modifications, and enforcement actions. Our attorneys develop comprehensive parenting plans addressing residence, education, and healthcare while advocating for clients' parental rights. We work with child development specialists to create arrangements that serve children's best interests in both routine and complex cases.
High Net Worth Divorce
Our firm specializes in complex divorces involving significant assets including business valuations, real estate portfolios, and retirement accounts. We employ financial experts to ensure accurate asset characterization and equitable distribution while protecting clients' financial interests throughout the process.
Military Family Law
We provide specialized representation for military personnel and spouses addressing unique challenges related to benefits, custody, and jurisdiction. Our attorneys understand the complexities of military pensions, relocation issues, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, serving clients at all New Mexico military installations.
Appellate Representation
Our appellate practice handles family law cases requiring post-trial review. We analyze trial records, identify legal errors, and prepare compelling briefs for higher court consideration. This service ensures clients receive thorough representation throughout all stages of the legal process.
People
Latisha K. Frederick
Attorney
Certified family law specialist with extensive experience in complex divorce litigation and child custody matters. Active member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Thomas C. Montoya
Attorney
AV Preeminent-rated attorney specializing in high-asset divorce cases and business valuation disputes. Recognized in Best Lawyers in America for family law.
Denise E. Ready
Attorney
Experienced litigator focusing on domestic violence cases and protective orders. Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Belinda Demaree
Paralegal
Dedicated family law paralegal with 15+ years supporting attorneys in case management, document preparation, and client communication.
Sandra Urioste
Paralegal
Experienced paralegal specializing in discovery management and financial documentation for complex divorce cases.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialize in?
We handle all aspects of family law including divorce, child custody, high-asset divisions, mediation, military family cases, and appellate work.
Do you offer mediation services?
Yes, we specialize in mediation as a cost-effective alternative to litigation, with attorneys frequently appointed as court mediators.
How do you handle military family law cases?
Our attorneys have decades of experience addressing unique military benefits, custody issues, and jurisdictional complexities for all service branches.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
We're New Mexico's first family law firm with 55+ years of exclusive focus, authoring legal standards and maintaining top peer-review ratings.
Can you handle complex asset division cases?
Yes, we have extensive experience valuing and dividing complex assets including businesses, real estate, and specialized property.
Do you represent clients outside Albuquerque?
We serve clients statewide including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and all New Mexico military bases.
