New Mexico § 38-1-16 - Personal service of process outside state

Full text of New Mexico New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-16 — Personal service of process outside state, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-1-16. Personal service of process outside state

A. Any person, whether or not a citizen or resident of this state, who in person or

through an agent does any of the acts enumerated in this subsection thereby submits

himself or his personal representative to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state

as to any cause of action arising from: (1) the transaction of any business within this state; (2) the operation of a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state; (3) the commission of a tortious act within this state; (4) the contracting to insure any person, property or risk located within this state

at the time of contracting; (5) with respect to actions for divorce, separate maintenance or annulment, the circumstance

of living in the marital relationship within the state, notwithstanding subsequent

departure from the state, as to all obligations arising from alimony, child support

or real or personal property settlements under Chapter 40, Article 4 NMSA 1978 if one party to the marital relationship continues to reside in the state. B. Service of process may be made upon any person subject to the jurisdiction of the

courts of this state under this section by personally serving the summons upon the

defendant outside this state and such service has the same force and effect as though

service had been personally made within this state. C. Only causes of action arising from acts enumerated in this section may be asserted

against a defendant in an action in which jurisdiction is based upon this section. D. Nothing contained in this section limits or affects the right to serve any process

in any other manner now or hereafter provided by law.

Source: official New Mexico text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico § 38-1-16

What does New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-16 cover?

Section 38-1-16 ("Personal service of process outside state") is part of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Mexico. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New Mexico § 38-1-16?

A common citation format is "New Mexico Statutes Annotated § 38-1-16" (New Mexico). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New Mexico law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Mexico official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Mexico attorney.

How does New Mexico § 38-1-16 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Mexico can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Mexico.