A. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a determination of parentage is binding on:
(1) all signatories to an acknowledgment or denial of paternity as provided in Article 3 of the New Mexico Uniform Parentage Act; and
(2) all parties to an adjudication by a district court acting under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Section 40-6A-201 NMSA 1978.
B. A child is not bound by a determination of parentage pursuant to the New Mexico Uniform Parentage Act unless:
(1) the determination was based on an unrescinded acknowledgment of paternity and the acknowledgment is consistent with the results of genetic testing;
(2) the adjudication of parentage was based on a finding consistent with the results of genetic testing and the consistency is declared in the determination or is otherwise shown;
(3) the child was a party or was represented in the proceeding determining parentage by a guardian ad litem; or
(4) there was a final order in the proceeding that satisfies the requirements of Paragraph (1), (2) or (3) of Subsection C of this section.
C. In a proceeding to dissolve a marriage, the district court is deemed to have made an adjudication of the parentage of a child if the district court acts under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of Section 40-6A-201 NMSA 1978, and the final order:
(1) expressly identifies a child as a "child of the marriage", "issue of the marriage", "child of the parties" or similar words indicating that the husband is the father of the child;
(2) provides for support of the child by the husband unless paternity is specifically disclaimed in the order; or
(3) contains a stipulation or admission that the parties are the parents of the child.
D. Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B of this section, a determination of parentage may be a defense in a subsequent proceeding seeking to adjudicate parentage by a person who was not a party to the earlier proceeding.
E. A party to an adjudication of paternity may challenge the adjudication only pursuant to the laws of New Mexico relating to appeal, vacation of judgments or other judicial review.
History: Laws 2009, ch. 215, § 6-637.
Effective dates. — Laws 2009, ch. 215, § 20 made the New Mexico Uniform Parentage Act effective January 1, 2010.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Article 11A - New Mexico Uniform Parentage Act
Article 6 - PROCEEDING TO ADJUDICATE PARENTAGE
Part 3 - Hearings and Adjudication
Section 40-11A-631 - Rules for adjudication of paternity.
Section 40-11A-632 - Jury prohibited.
Section 40-11A-633 - Hearings; inspection of records.
Section 40-11A-634 - Order on default.
Section 40-11A-635 - Dismissal for want of prosecution.
Section 40-11A-636 - Order adjudicating parentage.
Section 40-11A-637 - Binding effect of determination of parentage.
Section 40-11A-638 - Full faith and credit; determination of parentage.
Section 40-11A-639 - Enforcement of judgment or order.
Section 40-11A-640 - Modification of judgment or order.
Section 40-11A-641 - Right to counsel; free transcript on appeal.