DOMESTIC RELATIONS MEDIATION PROGRAM

HB 503 would require that parents participating in New Mexico's domestic relations mediation programs (for cases involving children) have the right to be represented by an attorney during all mediation-related sessions, including advisory consultations, priority consultations, evaluations, and mediation itself. This bill directly affects parents involved in court-ordered child-related mediation, ensuring they can have legal counsel present throughout the process. The key provision amends existing law to mandate this right, replacing previous language that did not explicitly guarantee attorney presence. The bill passed committee approval in March 2025 but was postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, and has not advanced further.