
ATTORNEYS
Guardians ad Litem & Youth Attorneys
...for children in foster care

Advocacy Inc. provides Guardians ad Litem and Youth Attorneys to represent children
in foster care under a contract with the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts. These
children are victims of abuse and neglect because of the inability of their parents to provide them
with a safe home environment.
The Guardian ad Litem or Youth Attorney represents the child until returned home or they are adopted. It is well-documented that abused children are at a high risk for
becoming adult abusers. Our goal is to support interventions that could change the course of that child’s life.
We recruit attorneys in New Mexico who are interested in helping children by providing legal services as set forth by the Administrative Office of the Court. Each attorney completes training; is assigned a mentor; and, participates in regular training and meetings. Caseloads vary.
Interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem or Youth Attorney?
REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTORNEY APPLICANTS
-
Two years practicing law
-
Experience working with children or advocating for children’s rights
-
Desire to improve the lives of abused and neglected children.
FORMS
Withdrawal as GAL and Entry of Appearance
Performance Standards 2006 Youth Attorney
Performance Standards 2006 Respondent Attorney
Performance Standards 2006 Guardian ad Litem
Order Granting Withdrawal, Substitution of Counsel, and Entry of Appearance
Motion for Order Changing Name
Mental Health Certification -YA
Mental Health Certification -GAL
Entry of Appearance as Youth Attorney
Entry of Appearance as Respondent Attorney
Entry of Appearance as Guardian ad Litem
LEGAL RESEARCH Online
New Mexico Supreme Court Law Library
New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC)
New Mexico Chapter 32-Children’s code [Repealed].
New Mexico Chapter 32A-Children’s Code.
SectionA-1-7 Guardian ad litem; powers and duties.
SectionA-1-7.1 Child’s attorney; powers and duties.
New Mexico Government
SPECIAL TOPICS
Performance Standards for Court-Appointment Attorneys in Child Abuse & Neglect Cases