What does it mean to be served a Notice of Pendency of Suit?

It means someone has filed a lawsuit involving you and you must respond or appear in court to protect your rights.

How long do I have to respond to this notice?

You have 30 days from the date of the last publication of the notice to enter your appearance in the case.

What happens if I don't respond within 30 days?

The court can enter a default judgment against you deciding parentage, custody, timesharing, and child support without your input.

Court Notice — 317 K St., Carlsbad, NM (D503DM2026118)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Establish parentage and custody

Affects:DefendantsHeirs

A petitioner filed a family-court action in Eddy County, New Mexico to establish parentage, custody, timesharing, and child support. The respondent, Charles Sonders, must file an appearance within 30 days of the last publication or face a default judgment.

Key Takeaways

Action filed to establish parentage, custody, timesharing, and child support
Respondent: Charles Sonders
Must appear within 30 days of last publication
Default judgment will be entered if no appearance is filed

Published: May 17, 2026 · 4 days ago
Category: Court Notice
City: Carlsbad
Address: 317 K St., Carlsbad, NM

Case #

D503DM2026118

View full case dossier

All filings for #D503DM2026118 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If Charles Sonders does not enter an appearance within 30 days of the last publication date, a default judgment will be entered against him, allowing the court to decide parentage, custody, timesharing, and child support without his participation.

What to do next

1
File an appearance in court
Enter your appearance with the Fifth Judicial District Court within 30 days of the last publication to avoid default judgment. Reference Case No. D503DM2026118.
2
Contact an attorney
Consult a family law attorney in Eddy County, NM immediately to get help filing responses and protecting custody and support rights.
3
Verify publication deadline
Confirm the date of the last publication so you know the exact 30-day deadline to act.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to be served a Notice of Pendency of Suit?: It means someone has filed a lawsuit involving you and you must respond or appear in court to protect your rights.
How long do I have to respond to this notice?: You have 30 days from the date of the last publication of the notice to enter your appearance in the case.
What happens if I don't respond within 30 days?: The court can enter a default judgment against you deciding parentage, custody, timesharing, and child support without your input.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

Notice of Pendency of Suit: A public notice informing a person that a lawsuit has been filed and action is required to respond.
Default judgment: A court decision entered against a party who fails to respond or appear.
Timesharing: A term for the schedule of parenting time or visitation between parents.

Full Notice Text

NOTICE OF PENDENCY
OF SUIT
FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
COUNTY OF EDDY
Case No. D503DM2026118
Destiny Young, Petitioner
vs.
Charles Sonders, Respondent.
STATE OF NEW MEXICO TO Charles Sonders GREETINGS:
You are hereby notified that Destiny Young, the above- named Petitioner, has filed a civil action against you in the above-entitled court and cause, The general object thereof being: (Check one).
[  ] to dissolve the marriage between the Petitioner and yourself.
[ X ] to establish parentage, determine custody and timesharing and assess child support.
[  ] ____________________
Unless you enter your appearance in this cause within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this Notice, judgment by default will be entered against you.
Destiny Young
317 K St.
Carlsbad, NM 88220

WITNESS the Honorable, JUDGE LISA B. RILEY, District Judge of the Fifth Judicial District Court of New Mexico, and the Seal of the District Court of EDDY County,