Second Judicial District / Self-Representation / Resources
Self-representation Resources
| Type of Legal Issue | Name of Organization |
|---|---|
| Abuse/Neglect (Adults) | Adult Protective Services Statewide: 866-654-3219 or 505-476-4912 Albuquerque: 505-841-4569Back To Top |
| Abuse/Neglect (Children) | Children Youth & Families Department Statewide: 800-797-3260 Albuquerque: 505-841-6100 https://cyfd.org/Child Abuse Hotline Phone: 1-855-333-SAFE (7233) Cell Phone: #SAFE Children’s Court, John E. Brown Juvenile Justice Center NM Kids Matter/Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Office of Family Representation and Advocacy (OFRA) |
| Benefits (Food stamps, Medicaid, SSI) | New Mexico Legal Aid 301 Gold Ave. SW Phone: 833-545-4357 Intake Hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. www.newmexicolegalaid.org/ www.lawhelpnewmexico.org/Back To Top |
| Children’s Legal Services | Advocacy, Inc. Albuquerque: 505-266-3166 Provides guardians ad litem for children in abuse and neglect cases in the 2nd Judicial District. Also provides low or no-cost legal advocacy and support services.Guardianship Legal Helpline Statewide: 1-833-355-6944 Albuquerque: 505-217-1660 (leave message for callback) ONLY for caregivers who are caring for children who are not their own (NOT for parents seeking custody; see Domestic Relations/Family Law) www.pegasuslaw.org The Guardianship Project/Advocacy Inc. Pegasus Legal Services for Children |
| Civil Rights | American Civil Liberties Union Albuquerque: 505-266-5915 www.aclu-nm.orgCity of Albuquerque Office of Civil Rights Phone: 505-768-4595 Investigates complaints of discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing. www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/civil-rights NM State Human Rights Bureau US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) |
| Consumer | Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Statewide: 844-255-9210 Albuquerque: 505-717-3500 www.nmag.govBetter Business Bureau Statewide: 800-873-2224 Albuquerque: 505-346-0110 www.bbb.org United South Broadway Corp. Consumer Debt Workshops/Consumer Issues Workshops Legal Services and Programs Committee |
| Criminal | NM Public Defender Department 505 Marquette Ave. NW, Ste 120 Main Number: 505-369-3600 lopdnm.us/districtoffices/albuquerque.phpFederal Public Defender (Federal cases only) 111 Lomas NW, Ste. 501 Phone: 505-346-2489 https://nm.fd.org/content/albuquerque-main-office |
| Disability | Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) 3916 Juan Tabo Blvd., NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 Statewide: 800-432-4682 Albuquerque: 505-256-3100 Promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities www.drnm.orgIndependent Living Resource Center Phone: 505-266-5022 NM Developmental Disabilities Planning Council ARC of New Mexico |
| Domestic Violence | Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center (AFAC) Phone: 505-243-2333 Free, safe, confidential help for adult/child victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.Catholic Charities of Central NM Phone: 505-724-4670 Limited to domestic violence in immigration setting. NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence Domestic Violence Division, 2nd Judicial District Court Enlace Comunitario Domestic Violence Resource Center NM Legal Aid Helpline Safe to Be You! LGBTQ+Legal Access Project S.A.F.E. House |
| Elder Law | Legal Resources for the Elderly Statewide: 800-876-6657 Albuquerque: 505-797-6005 Free, statewide helpline for New Mexico residents age 55 and older www.nmbar.orgSenior Citizens’ Law Office 4317 Lead SE, Ste A Phone: 505-265-2300 www.sclonm.org |
| Grandparent Adoption | The Guardianship Project (Advocacy, Inc.) Statewide: 866-257-5320 Phone: 505-266-3166 Provides services for relatives of the child or a step-parent. The relationship between the biological parent and the child must have disintegrated. www.nmadvocacy.orgBack To Top |
| Grandparent Visitation | AARP Phone: 1-866-389-5636 www.aarp.org/grandparents Provides resources for grandparentsGrandparents Raising Grandchildren (Outcomes, Inc.) Phone: 505-243-2551 Legal Resources for the Elderly |
| Guardianship (Adult) | Office of Guardianship Services-NM Developmental – Disabilities Planning Council 625 Silver Ave. SW, Ste 100 Albuquerque: 505-841-4519ARC of New Mexico Statewide: 800-358-6493 Albuquerque: 505-883-4630 The Guardianship Project (Advocacy, Inc.)
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| Guardianship (Children) | Guardianship Legal Helpline Statewide: 800-980-1165 Albuquerque: 505-217-1660 (leave message for callback) ONLY for caregivers who are caring for children who are NOT their own children (NOT for parents seeking custody – see Domestic Relations/Family Law) www.pegasuslaw.orgThe Guardianship Project/Advocacy Inc. Uncontested guardianship only (parents agree) Statewide: 866-257-5320 Phone: 505-266-3166 www.nmadvocacy.org Pegasus Legal Services for Children
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| Identity Theft | Equifax Phone: 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.comExperian Phone: 1-800-493-1058 www.experian.com Trans Union Albuquerque Police Department U.S. Secret Service FBI NM Attorney General’s Office NM Securities Division Federal Trade Commission
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| Immigration | Catholic Charities of Central NM 2010 Bridge SW Phone: 505-724-4662 or 505-724-4631 Low-cost immigration legal assistance to immigrants, U.S. citizens, and U.S. legal permanent residents and free immigration legal assistance to immigrant victims of domestic violence/sexual assault in determining/gaining immigration benefits (Do not assist with cases involving the immigration court in El Paso).El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos 714 Fourth St. SW Phone: 505-246-1627 Latino immigrant-led organization that works with Latino immigrant communities and allies to defend, strengthen, and advance the rights of our community. DACA Walk-In Workshops every Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m. elcentronm.org New Mexico Asian Family Center NM Immigrant Law Center |
| Landlord/Tenant | New Mexico Legal Aid 301 Gold Ave. SW Phone: 833-545-4357, Intake Hours Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.New Mexico Landlord/Tenant Hotline 664 Alta Vista, Santa Fe Phone: 505-930-5666, Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. nmhotline@aol.com
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| Parenting Education/Classes | All Faiths Family Services Phone: 505-271-0329APN Family Support Center Phone: 505-328-4721 Evolution Group Inc The Ranches Peanut Butter & Jelly Native American Professional Parent Resources YDI |
| Paternity Testing | CSED – Child Support Enforcement Division NM Only: 800-288-7207 Outside NM: 800-585-7631Back To Top |
| Supervised Visitation/Exchanges | Neutral Corner Phone: 505-255-0007 https://www.ydinm.org/program/neutral-corner/APN Phone: 505-242-1414 Family Services for Children |
| Issue | Name of Organization |
|---|---|
| Child Support Custody (Parentage/Paternity) Divorce Timesharing Disputes | Child Support Enforcement Division NM Only: 800-288-7207 Outside NM: 800-585-7631 www.hsd.state.nm.us NM Legal Aid |
| Family Education/Community Support | Catholic Charities – For Adults and Children Phone (Albuquerque): 505-724-4670 Phone (Santa Fe): 505-424-9789 |
| Family Law Forms on the Internet | New Mexico Supreme Court Family Forms Second Judicial District Court Self Help Family Forms |
| Name of Organization | Description of Services |
|---|---|
| Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program Statewide: 800-876-6657 Albuquerque: 505-797-6005 www.nmbar.org | Provides legal advice and information as well as, referrals to attorneys or agencies by telephone to individuals age 55 and older. |
| Senior Citizens’ Law Office 4317 Lead SE, Ste A Phone: 505-265-2300 www.sclonm.org | Free legal services for Bernalillo County residents 60 and older in civil cases, including SSI, VA, and other government benefits issues, power of attorney, trusts, guardianship/conservatorship, grandparent adoptions, foreclosure, financial exploitation, landlord/tenant/public housing/Section 8, consumer matters, health-related issues and long-term care, estate planning, and probate. |
| Attorney General’s Office Phone (Albuquerque): 505-717-3500 www.nmag.gov | Elder Abuse and Medical Fraud |
| City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Dept of Senior Affairs 714 7th St NW Phone: 505-764-6400 www.cabq.gov/seniors | Residents of Bernalillo County |
| Senior Social Services- Catholic Charities 2010 Bridge Blvd SW Phone: 505-724-4659 | Free transportation and friendly visiting to homebound seniors, respite care for caregivers. The Homecare Program offers light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, personal care and companionship. |
| AARP Phone: 1-800-424-3410 Phone: 1-888-687-2277 www.aarp.org |
| Name of Organization | Description of Services |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless Phone: 505-242-4644 | Medical, dental and mental health clinics, children’s outreach and substance abuse recovery services. |
| Casa Q Phone: 505-872-2099 Website: www.casaq.org | Provides safe living options and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. |
| NM Christian Legal Aid Operates at Noon Day, ABQ Rescue Mission, and Joy Junction Phone: 505-243-4419 | Provides advice, referrals and brief services for civil, criminal, domestic relations and landlord/tenant matters. Refers parties to volunteer attorneys. |
| Homeless Services/Refugee Resettlement-Catholic Services 2010 Bridge Blvd SW Phone: 505-724-4670 | General homeless services; temporary and permanent. Refugees: Resettles refugees, homeless women and children, moves them into permanent housing, and takes referrals from homeless shelters to resettle people. |
| Name of Organization | Description of Services |
|---|---|
| Bridge to Justice Legal Assistance Programs Statewide: 800-876-6227 Albuquerque: 505-797-6066 www.nmbar.org | 30-minute consultation with a private attorney for $35.00. This does not guarantee the attorney will take your case. Fees for representation will apply. |
| Albuquerque Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service Phone: 505-243-2615 www.abqbar.com | 30-minute meeting with a private attorney for $50.00. This does not guarantee the attorney will take your case. Fees for representation will apply. |
| Client Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) Statewide: 800-876-6227 Albuquerque: 505-797-6000 www.nmbar.org | Possible solutions to communication problems between clients and lawyers. |
| Legal Assistance for Veterans NM Veterans Memorial 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Albuquerque: 505-265-1711 Ext. 34345 | Free quarterly Legal Clinics – January, March, June and September 2018. Consultations with volunteer attorneys concerning family law, consumer rights, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, foreclosure and employment. Other service providers available. |
| Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program Statewide: 800-876-6657 Albuquerque: 505-797-6005 www.nmbar.org/Public/LREP | Free helpline for residents of NM (55 and older) and monthly workshops for senior citizens (55 and older) at various locations around the state. |
| Name of Organization/Program | Information |
|---|---|
| 1st Judicial District Court Self-Help Information Center | 505-455-8146 |
| 2nd Judicial District Court Self-Help Center | 505-841-6702 |
| 3rd Judicial District Court Services | 575-528-8399 |
| Metro Court Self-Help Center | 505-841-9817 |
| Probate Court | 505-468-1233 |
| US Bankruptcy Court | 866-291-6805 |
| Name of Organization/Program | Information |
|---|---|
| United Way | Info & Referrals on Human Services Phone: 505-245-1735 or 211 https://www.uwcnm.org/ |
| Parents Reaching Out | Statewide: 800-524-5176 Albuquerque: 505-247-0192 Non-profit organization that works with parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals to promote healthy, positive and caring experiences for families and children. https://parentsreachingout.org/ |
| Health Insurance Benefits and Counseling (HIBAC) | Statewide: 866-451-2901 Santa Fe: 505-476-4799 |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Statewide: 800-432-2080 |
| NM Crime Victims Reparation Commission | Statewide: 800-306-6262 Albuquerque: 505-841-9432 |
| NM Commission for the Blind | Statewide: 888-513-7958 Albuquerque: 505-841-8844 |
| Office of Consumer Affairs | Consumer Hotline Statewide: 844-255-9210 Albuquerque: 505-318-1050 |
| Public Regulations Commission (NMPRC) | Insurance complaints, Utilities complaints Statewide Toll-free: 1-888-427-5772 www.nmprc.state.nm.us |
| State Bar of New Mexico | Statewide: 800-876-6227 Albuquerque: 505-797-6000 Free general information publications on various areas of the law mailed free of charge. www.nmbar.org |
| Univision Canal 41 | Phone: 505-342-4141 (English and Spanish) Volunteer attorneys answer legal questions each month. Please call for more information. |
| UNM Law Clinic | Phone: 505-277-2146 lawschool.unm.edu |
| UNM School of Law Library (a public library) | Phone: 505-277-0935 lawlibrary.unm.edu |
| NM Commission for the Deaf | Voice: 505-383-6530 v/TTY: 505-383-6541 VP: 505-435-9319 |
| ABA New Mexico Free Legal Answers | Three (3) free legal questions per year https://nm.freelegalanswers.org/ |
What is Kinship Guardianship?
A kinship caregiver is defined as any individual who is a relative, godparent, member of a child’s tribe or clan, or an adult with a significant bond (fictive kin) who are raising a child or youth because the biological parents are not able or unwilling to do so.
Kinship caregivers could be eligible for legal assistance from various agencies across the state.
Additional Resources
Glossary of Legal Terms
From the list below, click the first letter of the legal term you would like…
Contact Information
Address
400 Lomas Blvd. NW
Room 134, 1st Floor
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-841-6702
Email: albdselfhelp@nmcourts.gov
General Hours
Downtown Location: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Juvenile Justice Center Location: Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
General questions will be answered and forms may be picked up
Self Help Interview Hours
This office does not schedule interviews. Individuals are seen on a first come, first served basis. There is a 15-minute time limit for each visit.