Terry & deGraauw Family Law

Terry & deGraauw Family Law represents specialized family law practice dedicated exclusively to serving New Mexico families navigating divorce, custody, adoption, guardianship, and other family law matters. Located in Albuquerque at 1801 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, the firm has earned recognition from the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization as certified family law specialists. Founded in 2013, the firm brings over a decade of dedicated family law practice, proven expertise, and genuine commitment to helping families through life's most challenging transitions.

Terry & deGraauw's founding in 2013 reflects deliberate choice to establish a family law firm focused exclusively on this specialized practice area rather than maintaining general law practice. This exclusive family law focus enables attorneys to develop deep expertise in the nuances of New Mexico family law, understand how judges approach different types of cases, and stay current with evolving statutes and case law. Rather than diluting expertise across multiple practice areas, Terry & deGraauw attorneys invest their professional development entirely in family law, resulting in sophisticated knowledge that benefits every client.

The firm's New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization family law certification represents official recognition of exceptional expertise. This certification—earned through demonstrated knowledge, experience, continuing legal education, and peer evaluation—indicates that Terry & deGraauw attorneys meet New Mexico's highest standards for family law specialists. Only attorneys meeting rigorous certification requirements receive this designation. Clients working with certified family law specialists benefit from official recognition of their attorneys' expertise and commitment to family law specialization.

Terry & deGraauw describes itself as "approachable, honest, and dedicated" family law attorneys. This characterization reflects the firm's values and approach to client relationships. Rather than standoffish formality or impersonal legal service, the firm emphasizes accessibility and genuine human connection. Attorneys approach clients with honesty about legal realities, realistic assessments of case prospects, and genuine dedication to serving clients' interests. This approachable philosophy makes the firm accessible to clients who might be intimidated by more formal law firms.

The firm's comprehensive family law practice encompasses the full spectrum of matters affecting New Mexico families. Divorce cases—from uncontested divorces where parties agree on key terms to highly contested divorces involving property division disputes, custody conflicts, and support disagreements—receive skilled representation. The firm handles all aspects of New Mexico divorces, including property division under New Mexico's community property framework, spousal support and alimony determinations, and custody and visitation arrangements.

Custody and support matters receive particular attention, with recognition that these issues profoundly affect families' wellbeing. The firm handles child custody determinations, modifications of existing arrangements, and child support calculations and disputes. Spousal support and alimony matters receive thorough analysis and advocacy, with representation ensuring fair determinations that consider relevant statutory factors.

Beyond divorce, Terry & deGraauw handles adoption and guardianship matters—services that recognize families form in diverse ways and legal representation should support all family configurations. Adoption services help families navigate the legal processes of welcoming children into their families. Guardianship services assist in establishing legal guardianship when necessary to protect children's interests.

The firm also assists clients with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements—planning documents that enable couples to address financial arrangements and protect their interests should the relationship end. These agreements prove valuable for second marriages, situations involving significant asset disparities, individuals with children from previous relationships, or anyone wanting to clarify financial arrangements and asset protection.

The firm's recognition of collaborative divorce reflects understanding that not all divorces require adversarial litigation. In collaborative divorce, both parties' attorneys commit to negotiated settlement and work cooperatively toward resolution. This approach often costs less, resolves matters more quickly, gives clients greater control over outcomes, and reduces emotional toll—making it an excellent option for couples capable of communicating respectfully about key issues. Terry & deGraauw's collaborative divorce experience enables skilled facilitation of this process.

What distinguishes Terry & deGraauw is the combination of specialized certification, exclusive family law focus, comprehensive service range, and approachable philosophy. The firm provides not merely legal representation but genuine guidance through family transitions. Attorneys explain legal concepts clearly, discuss realistic outcomes, listen to clients' priorities and concerns, and work effectively toward resolutions that serve clients' interests.

The firm's location in Albuquerque at 1801 Rio Grande Boulevard NW makes it accessible to residents throughout the greater Albuquerque area and surrounding New Mexico communities. Albuquerque's central location in New Mexico enables convenient access for clients from various regions.

The firm's offer of free consultations removes barriers to seeking legal advice and enables potential clients to discuss situations with certified family law specialists, understand their options, and determine whether Terry & deGraauw is a good fit for their representation needs.

Clients of Terry & deGraauw appreciate the firm's combination of legal expertise, approachable demeanor, honest assessment of cases, and genuine dedication to their interests. Many clients report relief at working with attorneys who explain legal concepts clearly, provide realistic outcome assessments, and genuinely care about their wellbeing through difficult transitions.

If you are facing divorce, custody disputes, adoption, guardianship, or other family law matters in New Mexico, Terry & deGraauw Family Law offers the combination of certified family law specialization, exclusive family law focus, comprehensive services, and approachable philosophy that can meaningfully impact your case and your family's future. The firm's founding in 2013, New Mexico Board certification, and proven success serving New Mexico families make it an excellent choice. Contact Terry & deGraauw Family Law at 505-206-5044 or visit nmdivorcelawyers.com to schedule your free consultation with New Mexico certified family law specialists committed to your family's interests.