New Mexico Statutes Chapter 32A. Children's Code § 32A-6A-13. Legal representation of children

A. A child shall be represented by an attorney at all commitment or treatment guardianship proceedings under the Children's Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act if the child is fourteen years of age or older or by a guardian ad litem if the child is under fourteen years of age.

B. When a child has not retained an attorney or a guardian ad litem in a commitment or treatment guardian proceeding and is unable to do so, the court shall appoint an attorney or a guardian ad litem to represent the child in the proceeding. Only an attorney with appropriate experience shall be appointed as an attorney or a guardian ad litem for the child. Whenever reasonable and appropriate, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem or attorney who is knowledgeable about the child's cultural background.

C. A child of any age shall have access to the state's designated protection and advocacy system pursuant to the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and the federal Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act and access to an attorney of the child's choice regarding any matter related to the Children's Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act.

D. The child is not entitled to appointment of an attorney at public expense, except as set forth in Subsections A and B of this section.

E. A child shall not be represented or counseled by an attorney or guardian ad litem who has a conflict of interest, including but not limited to any conflict of interest resulting from prior representation of the child's parent, guardian, legal custodian or residential treatment or habilitation program.