N.M. R. Civ. P. Dist. Ct. 1-065.1

As amended through May 8, 2024

Rule 1-065.1 - Writs of execution

A.Issuance of writs of execution. Unless the judgment has been stayed, the clerk of the court shall issue a writ of execution for seizure of property to satisfy a judgment on an underlying dispute:

(1) if the judgment debtor is not a natural person, at any time after the filing of the judgment; or

(2) if the judgment debtor is a natural person:

(a) upon filing of either a certificate by an attorney for the judgment creditor or an affidavit by the judgment creditor stating that:

(i) the judgment creditor served the judgment debtor with a notice of right to claim exemptions as required by this rule; and

(ii) the judgment debtor has not filed a claim of exemption for the property to be seized and sold as provided by this rule;

(b) upon entry of an order finding that the property to be seized and sold is not exempt from execution; or

(c) upon filing of a waiver of the right to claim a statutory exemption from execution. The judgment debtor's written waiver shall specifically describe the property that may be seized and sold to satisfy the debt.

B.Service of notice of right to claim exemptions from execution. If the judgment debtor is a natural person, unless a shorter time is ordered by the court, not later than ten (10) days prior to the date of seizure of property to be sold under a writ of execution, the judgment creditor shall serve upon each judgment debtor a notice of right to claim exemptions and a claim of exemption form in the following manner:

(1) if the judgment debtor has entered an appearance in the proceeding, service shall be made and proof of service filed with the court in the manner provided by Rule 1-005 NMRA;

(2) if the judgment debtor has not entered an appearance in the proceeding, service shall be made and return of service filed in the same manner as provided by Rule 1-004 for service of the summons and complaint; or

(3) if service cannot be made on the judgment debtor pursuant to Subparagraph (1) or (2) of this Paragraph, service shall be made on the judgment debtor in a manner reasonably calculated to ensure actual notice of the right to claim exemptions.

C.Claim of exemptions from execution. Within ten (10) days after service of a notice of right to claim exemptions, a judgment debtor who is a natural person may claim a statutory exemption by filing a claim of exemption form with the court.

D.Service of claim of exemption. At the time of filing of the claim of exemption, the judgment debtor shall serve a copy of the claim of exemption on the judgment creditor pursuant to Rule 1-005.

E.Failure to file claim of exemption. If the judgment debtor fails to file a claim of exemption within ten (10) days after service of the notice of the right to claim exemptions, the judgment debtor shall be deemed to have waived the right to claim an exemption.

F.Dispute of claimed exemption. Within ten (10) days after service of a claim of exemption on the judgment creditor pursuant to Paragraph D of this rule, the judgment creditor may dispute any claimed exemption and request a hearing. If the judgment creditor does not dispute a claimed exemption, the property shall be exempt and the judgment creditor may proceed against any other property as provided in Paragraph A of this rule. If the judgment creditor files a notice of dispute and request for hearing, the judgment creditor shall at the time of filing of the notice serve a copy on the judgment debtor.

G.Notice of hearing on dispute. If the judgment creditor files a notice of dispute and request for hearing, the court shall promptly give notice of the date and time of the hearing to the parties.

H.Hearing on disputed claim of exemptions. Within ten (10) days after the filing of a notice of dispute and request for hearing, the court shall hold a hearing on the disputed claim. At the hearing the court may determine the merits of the dispute or may postpone decision pending such discovery as may be required to determine the status of the property.

I.Issuance and executions of writ. A writ of execution issued pursuant to Paragraph A of this rule shall be served by the sheriff within sixty (60) days from the date issued. If an execution is not served within that time, upon request of the judgment creditor, a second or subsequent writ shall be issued by the clerk. A writ of execution issued pursuant to this rule may be served in the manner provided by law.

J.Sheriff's sale. A sale shall be conducted in the manner provided by law.

K.Form of writs, notices and claim of exemptions. Applications for writs of execution, writs of execution, answers, notices of right to claim exemptions, claims of exemptions, notices of dispute of claimed exemptions and request for hearing, and judgments shall be substantially in the form approved by the Supreme Court.

N.M. R. Civ. P. Dist. Ct. 1-065.1

Withdrawn and new rule adopted, effective 1/1/1996.

ANNOTATIONS Withdrawals. - Former Rule 1-065.1 NMRA, relating to garnishment and writs of execution, is withdrawn effective January 1, 1996.

For exemptions in civil actions, see Section 35-4-2 NMSA 1978. For docketing money judgments, see Section 39-1-6 NMSA 1978. For right to execution, issuance, levy and sale, see Section 39-4-1 NMSA 1978. For sales under execution and foreclosure, see Section 39-5-1 NMSA 1978. For forms on garnishment and writs of execution, see Rules 4-801 to 4-815 NMRA. For writ of execution, see Rule 4-801A NMRA. For notice of right to claim exemptions, see Rule 4-808A NMRA. For claims of exemption, see Rule 4-803 NMRA. For order on claim of exemption, see Rule 4-804 NMRA. For notice of dispute and request for hearing, see Rule 4-810A NMRA. Constitutionality. - New Mexico provides for a prompt hearing to resolve exemption claims in execution as well as garnishment cases, and this portion of the post-judgment execution procedures is constitutional. Aacen v. San Juan Cnty. Sheriff's Dep't, 944 F.2d 691 (10th Cir. 1991). Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. - Garnishee's duty to give debtor notice of garnishment prior to delivery of money without judgment against the garnishee on the debt, 36 A.L.R.4th 824. United States Postal Service as subject to garnishment, 38 A.L.R. Fed. 546.