Maria Montoya Chavez

Maria Montoya Chavez is an attorney with Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 for her work in Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation. This recognition is based on peer review by attorneys practicing in the same geographic and practice areas.

Maria Montoya Chavez has practiced law since 2000 and focuses exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of complex assets such as professional practices and closely held businesses. She is trained in Collaborative Law and regularly serves clients as a mediator and settlement facilitator.

Understanding that divorce and family law disputes are often emotionally and financially challenging, Ms. Montoya Chavez emphasizes client education and clear communication. She works with clients to explain the legal issues involved, outline available options, and pursue resolution through negotiation, collaboration, mediation, or arbitration when appropriate. When court involvement becomes necessary, she represents clients as a court advocate.

Ms. Montoya Chavez has handled numerous collaborative divorce matters in which parties remained actively involved in decision-making and resolved their cases outside of court. She serves as a Board Member of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group and has been an active member of the Albuquerque Collaborative Practice Group, including service on various committees. She has also presented at family law and collaborative law seminars for attorneys on domestic relations topics.

In addition to her litigation and collaborative practice, Ms. Montoya Chavez conducts mediations and settlement facilitations, focusing on helping parties identify practical solutions and move toward resolution. Her practice areas include Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation.

Ms. Montoya Chavez is involved in community education and access-to-justice efforts, including participation in the Divorce Options Workshop, where she provides information to the public regarding divorce and custody matters. She also volunteers with the Second Judicial District Family Law Clinic, assisting self-represented individuals with domestic relations questions.

Her practice has also included same-sex adoption matters. In collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union, she was involved in cases that resulted in court-issued Temporary Decrees of Adoption at a time when statutory protections were limited for certain families.