The short answer is no, but it helps. New Mexico does not require that people in family law cases have attorneys, and you are able to file documents and appear in court by yourself. This is what’s known as Pro Se. However, there are several benefits to having an attorney on your side. Attorneys: Negotiate on Your Behalf - negotiations occur at the beginning, middle, and end of a case. With an attorney, you receive advice on which deal is worth taking, and what is worth fighting for. Having someone to negotiate on your behalf takes away the stress of dealing with the other side, whether it is an ex-spouse or a Child Support Enforcement attorney. Navigate the System - you are able to file documents, serve papers, or request hearings without an attorney, however, the process can be confusing and time-consuming if you are unfamiliar with the process. An attorney has the experience and the connections to accomplish these tasks quickly. Champions of the Courtroom - going into a courtroom and giving your side of a story to a judge is intimidating. You will not agree with what the other side has to say. You have hundreds of text messages, emails, and communications with the other side, but no idea how to use them. Hiring an attorney gives you an advocate who will tell your story to the judge the way it needs to be told, and defend your position against the other side. An attorney knows not only how to present evidence to the judge, but what evidence will help your case, and which evidence may even hurt your case.