New Mexico Statutes 32A-3B-18. Dispositional judgments; time limitations; modification, termination or extension of court order
A. A judgment vesting legal custody of a child in an agency shall remain in force for an indeterminate period not exceeding two years from the date entered.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 32A-3B-18
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
B. A judgment vesting legal custody of a child in an individual, other than the child’s parent, shall remain in force for two years from the date entered unless terminated sooner by court order.
C. A judgment vesting legal custody of a child in the child’s parent or a permanent guardian shall remain in force for an indeterminate period from the date entered until terminated by court order or until the child is emancipated or reaches the age of majority.
D. At any time prior to expiration, a judgment vesting legal custody or granting protective supervision may be modified, revoked or extended on motion by a party, including the child by and through the child’s guardian ad litem or attorney.
E. Prior to the expiration of a judgment transferring legal custody to an agency, the court may extend the judgment for additional periods of one year if it finds that the extension is necessary to safeguard the welfare of the child or the public interest.
F. When a child reaches eighteen years of age, all family in need of court-ordered services orders affecting the child then in force automatically terminate. The termination of the orders shall not disqualify a child from eligibility for transitional services.