Bristol Family Law

Bristol Family Law is a premier family law firm located in the heart of Santa Fe's Historic District. Our practice focuses exclusively on Family Law, including divorce, collaborative divorce, alimony, child custody and timesharing, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic violence cases, kinship guardianship, parentage matters, grandparent visitation, Guardian ad Litem for children and adults, ADR and mediation, step-parent adoption, and name changes. We also provide advice and support to clients participating in mediation, helping them navigate the process and reach a thorough mutual agreement.

Our Commitment

At Bristol Family Law, we are dedicated to advancing and protecting the interests of our clients. We understand that divorce can be the most challenging time in a person's life, and we believe that how you resolve your divorce has a profound impact on your future. We strive to provide practical solutions to complex problems and resolve each client's divorce with integrity. Our commitment to offering creative solutions, responsive service, and cost-effective legal representation sets us apart.

Our Team

Our team is led by James Bristol, a New Mexico Board Certified Family Law Specialist and Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. James has consistently been ranked as a Southwest Super Lawyer and maintains an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubble, the highest ranking available from this peer-reviewed attorney evaluation system. He is experienced in Family Law litigation and has an independent licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.), which supports his role as a Guardian ad Litem, representing the interests of children and adults.

James is an active member of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group and has served on the Board of the Family Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar, including a stint as Board Secretary from 2007 to 2021. He has planned and promoted numerous Family Law trainings and continuing legal education trainings, including the yearly Family Law Symposium. James has also served on the Domestic Relations Rules Committee from 2012 to 2017.

In addition to James, our team includes Marilyn Tillman, a dedicated paralegal who moved to Santa Fe in 2010 and began working with the firm shortly after her arrival. Together, our team provides a wealth of knowledge and experience to help our clients navigate the complex world of Family Law.

Our Location and Community Involvement

Bristol Family Law is located in a hacienda built in the 1860s, just a few blocks from the First Judicial District Courthouse. Our clients primarily come from Santa Fe County and the nine northern counties of New Mexico. However, we also serve clients who have recently moved out of state but wish to have their issues addressed in New Mexico.

At Bristol Family Law, we believe in giving back to our community. We pledge a certain percentage of our annual revenue to support organizations that sustain and promote the environment, such as the Adopt-A-River Program through the Santa Fe Watershed Association and the Banff Film Festival, which supports the Santa Fe Conservation Trust. We also sponsor educational events for children and family sporting events, such as climbing competitions and running races.

Practice Areas

Bristol Family Law offers a wide range of services within the area of Family Law, including:

• Divorce
• Collaborative Divorce
• Alimony
• Child Custody and Timesharing
• Child Support
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Domestic Violence Cases
• Kinship Guardianship
• Parentage Matters
• Grandparent Visitation
• Guardian ad Litem for Children and Adults
• ADR and Mediation
• Step-Parent Adoption
• Name Changes

We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible representation and solutions to their Family Law needs.