Since 1991, the ACQC Legal Services Program has provided education, advocacy and legal representation for HIV+ Queens residents, their collaterals and family members at our primary service sites in Rego Park, Far Rockaway, Jamaica and Long Island City. The scope of legal service provided includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Wills
• Medical directives
• Discrimination and employment issues
• Landlord-tenant matters
• Immigration
• Family law
• Public benefits
• SSI/SSD
• Guardianship

Legal representation by ACQC staff attorneys has resulted in prevention of many evictions, development of permanency plans for the children of many of our clients, development and execution of advance directives such as wills, health care proxies and powers of attorney, development of debtor payment plans, maximizing clients' entitlements and educating clients on immigration law issues.

Due to constant changes in the laws concerning HIV+ people and individuals with AIDS, the Legal Services Program staff is available to present educational programs concerning issues of relevance to HIV+ people such as confidentiality, the rights of tenants, parents and HIV+ patients, as well as consumer issues to staff, clients, and community members.

An appointment is necessary in order to see a staff attorney except in cases of emergencies such as Marshal eviction notices, restrain of bank accounts, or emergency placement of a child.

To schedule an appointment to meet with a staff member from our Legal Services Program, please contact Jeanette Garcia at (718) 896-2500 or via e-mail at jgarcia@acqc.org. When you arrive for your appointment, be sure to bring with you all legal documents relevant to your situation as well as proof of your HIV+ status.