Fact Sheet Number 335
LAW PANEL
- WHAT IS THE HIV/AIDS LAW PANEL?
- WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED?
- HOW IS A CLIENT REFERRED?
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- FOR MORE INFORMATION
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PrintNEW MEXICO HIV/AIDS LAW PANEL
(505) 982-2021 (Santa Fe County)
1-800-982-2021 (Rest of New Mexico)
LAW PANEL?
The HIV/AIDS Law Panel is a program of the Young Lawyers Division
of the State Bar of New Mexico. The HIV/AIDS Law Panel consists
of a group of volunteer attorneys. These attorneys have a commitment
and sensitivity to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. They have
expertise and experience in areas of legal concern to such individuals.
The HIV/AIDS Law Panel has provided quality legal services and
referrals to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS throughout
New Mexico since 1994.
Volunteer Attorneys provide clients with a wide variety of
legal services. The most common services are estate planning legal
assistance including Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives
to Physicians (sometimes called “Living Wills.”) On
a very limited basis, volunteer panel attorneys may also provide
basic legal assistance and counseling with regard to debt relief,
housing, insurance, disability, employment discrimination and
family law.
ARE PROVIDED?
The HIV / AIDS Law Panel refers cases to volunteer panel attorneys.
They provide legal assistance in estate planning needs and “end
of life planning” for low-income persons living with HIV
/ AIDS. Attorneys may prepare documents, represent clients or
simply offer consultations for basic legal services. Referrals
are made to volunteer panel attorneys for legal services such
as the following:
- Last Will and Testament
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Advance Directive to Physicians (“Living Wills”)
- Cremation Authorization
- Advance Directive to Limit the Scope of Emergency Medical
Care
- Right to Die Declaration
The panel’s goal is to address the legal needs of persons living
with HIV/AIDS that are not being met by other legal service providers
in the community.
REFERRED?
The HIV/AIDS Law Panel is a statewide program. Volunteer attorneys
are in practice throughout the state of New Mexico. Call the HIV/AIDS
Law Helpline at 1-800-982-2021 (statewide), or (505) 982-2021
(Santa Fe County). Leave your name, phone number and a brief message
about the area of law in which you need assistance. The call will
be returned, usually within two to three business days.
Clients are screened by telephone. You don’t need to leave
your home. Screening usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Your
case will be evaluated to see if it is appropriate for referral
and if it meets eligibility requirements. The panel then tries
to assign the case to an HIV/AIDS Law Panel attorney. The panel
considers the volunteer attorney’s area of expertise, experience
and location.
When an interested attorney is found, you will be given the
lawyer’s name and phone number. On average, it takes one to two
weeks to be assigned an attorney. Some cases may be handled as
emergencies due to your health or particular need. If necessary,
a home or hospital visit can be requested. Steps will be taken
to protect your privacy should you have concerns regarding disclosure
of your HIV status.
Clients referred to volunteer HIV/AIDS Law Panel attorneys must
have annual incomes of $25,000 or less, and less than $10,000
in liquid assets. Whenever possible, the HIV/AIDS Law Panel coordinator
will help applicants who do not meet these criteria find other
legal services at regular or reduced rates.
For more information about the HIV/AIDS Law Panel services or
to see if you qualify for referral, contact the HIV/AIDS Law Helpline
at 1-800-982-2021 (statewide), or (505) 982-2021 (Santa Fe county).
to assist persons living with HIV/AIDS with their estate planning
legal needs. Sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division of the State
Bar of New Mexico. Funded by the Center for Civic Values and the
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division from a grant by
the American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education.
Revised February 21, 2000
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New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center
and the New Mexico Department of Health