N.M. Stat. § 32A-1-13
Summons; service.
A. If a party to be served with a summons can be found within the state, the
summons shall be served upon the party as provided by the Rules of Civil Procedure for
the District Courts at least forty-eight hours before the hearing, except that for a child
party to an action pursuant to the Abuse and Neglect Act [Chapter 32A, Article 4 NMSA
1978], service shall be on the child's guardian ad litem or attorney and not personally
pursuant to children's court rule.
B. If a party to be served is within the state and cannot be found but the party's
address is known, service of the summons may be made by mailing a copy of the
summons to the party by certified mail at least fifteen days before the hearing.
C. If after reasonable effort a party to be served cannot be found, or address
ascertained, within or without the state, the court may order service of the summons by
publication in accordance with the provisions of Rule 1-004 of the Rules of Civil
Procedure for the District Courts, in which event the hearing shall not be less than five
days after the date of last publication.
D. The court may authorize the payment from court funds of the costs of service and
of necessary travel expenses incurred by persons summoned or otherwise required to
appear at the hearing.