Court-Appointed Attorneys
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Court Appointed Attorney Program (CAAP)
The New Mexico Judiciary, through the Court Appointed Attorney Program (CAAP) is committed to providing quality legal representation for indigent parties in civil proceedings when the law requires the court appoint an attorney. Among the clients served are children and parents in abuse and neglect cases, parentage, mental health and disabilities, eligible adults in fostering connection cases, and guardianship cases.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides fiscal oversight, ensures compliance with contractual obligations by attorneys, and works collaboratively with the Children’s Court Improvement Commission, the New Mexico Family Advocacy Program, the Family Representation Commission, the Southwest Region National Child Protection Training Center (NMSU-SWRTC), and the Corinne Wolfe Center for Child and Family Justice (UNM-CWC) to offer attorneys free or reduced cost continuing education and trial skills training.
Court Appointed Attorney Fund (CAAF)
The Administrative Office of the Courts receives a limited amount of state general fund monies to provide court-appointed legal representation to indigent clients in Children’s Code and Mental Health proceedings. Any remaining funds are available to pay non-contract attorneys appointed by the district courts in these cases on a case-by-case basis. This fund does not provide pro bono attorneys for domestic relations, criminal or other matters. If you have questions about the Court Appointed Attorney Fee Fund (CAAFF), please contact Twila Hoon at aoctah@nmcourts.gov or aoccaaff@nmcourts.gov .