Don F. Harris

Don F. Harris

New Mexico Financial and Family Law
  • Bankruptcy, Family Law, Probate ...
  • Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico
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Biography

After 30 years, my reputation is about caring for my clients and providing realistic expectations.

Only lawyer in the State of New Mexico who is a certified specialist in both consumer and business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.

Former Board Member, Family Law Section of New Mexico State Bar.

Selected by New Mexico State Bar to sit on several judicial selection panels.

Education
University of Connecticut School of Law
J.D. (1990) | Law
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Honors: Cum Laude
Activities: Connecticut Journal of International Law
University of Connecticut School of Law Logo
University of Hartford
B.A. (1987) | Music
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Honors: Lead Tenor Saxophone, Concert Jazz Band, All Four Years
Activities: Operations Director, Campus Radio Station, WWUH
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Professional Experience
Owner / Attorney
New Mexico Financial and Family Law
- Current
Publications
Articles & Publications
Intersection with Bankruptcy
New Mexico Family Law Manuel
Prepared Statements of Donald F. Harris
US Congress, House Judiciary Committee
Speaking Engagements
Bankruptcy and Commercial Leases, Commercial Real Estate 101, Albuquerque, NM
National Business Institute
Credit and Bankruptcy Issues, Real Estate Law: Advanced Issues and Answers, Albuquerque, NM
National Business Institute
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, Consumer Bankruptcy 101, Albuquerque, NM
Law Review CLE
Certifications
Board Certified, Consumer Bankruptcy Law and Business Bankruptcy Law
American Board of Certification
Certified to Practice Collaborative Divorce Law
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Awards
AV Rated, Preeminent
Martindale Hubbel
Martindale-Hubbell rates only ten percent of attorneys as preeminent under their confidential peer review process. Selected: 2017 - 2020
Client Platinum Champion
Martindale-Hubbell
This is the highest award for Client Satisfaction from Martindale-Hubbell based on reviews from satisfied clients. Selected: 2019 - 2020
Selected as Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Organization
Super Lawyers
One of a small percentage of lawyers Selected by Southwest Super Lawyers. This is an independent, confidential, and patented process bases on nominations and reviews by other lawyers. Selected To Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2018, 2020
Professional Associations
American Bankruptcy Institute
Member
Current
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National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Member
Current
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Albuquerque Bar Association
Member
Current
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New Mexico State Bar - Family Law Section
Member
Current
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New Mexico State Bar - Bankruptcy Section
Member - Former President
Current
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New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group
Member
Current
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International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Member
Current
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New Mexico State Bar
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Colorado
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Connecticut
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New Mexico
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
    Bankruptcy
    Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
    Family Law
    Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
    Probate
    Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
    Divorce
    Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
    Estate Planning
    Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. I am married contemplating divorce. What are my rights as far as receiving any pension, social security benefits, etc.
A: Pension rights that accrue during marriage are normally community property in New Mexico. Social Security is not. In any marriage over ten years, the ex-spouse can claim long term spouse benefits, from the Social Security Administration, without affecting the other ex-spouse. Go the the government website for more information.
Q. my daughter is nearly 15 and wants to change her last name to her step-fathers. can her father object?
A: The parents of a minor child have to be notified of a name change in New Mexico, and her dad can object. He may not bother, or the judge very well may overrule his objection if the child's reasoning is sound.
Q. How will the following look to a judge.
A: First, if he is in he military, he is likely required to support his spouse by the military so long as he is married. I have had my military male clients get reported by the separated wife to his chain of command for not supporting her, and it has caused my clients problems.

Second, I tell all my clients, especially men, to always wear the "white hat" when working through a divorce.

What your son is doing sounds like "white hat" behavior to me.

Finally, in all states, custody is determined by what is in the best interest of the children. The temporary arrangement should not matter particularly. In custody cases, the judge is usually only interested in what arrangement will suit the children the best going forward.

Everything above can be overridden by a competent Hawaii divorce attorney. Divorce laws are very local and vary significantly from state-to-state. Your son needs to see a local divorce attorney before making any further decisions.
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Websites & Blogs
Website
New Mexico Financial and Family Law
Blog
New Mexico Financial and Family Law Blog
Contact & Map
New Mexico Financial and Family Law
320 Gold Ave, SW
Suite 1410
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Telephone: (505) 503-1637
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed