HIV Legal Services

The Contra Costa HIV Legal Services Project

Through our Contra Costa HIV Legal Services Project we provide free civil legal services to people living with HIV/AIDS who are low-income residents of Contra Costa County or clients of the Family Care Network.    We strive to provide comprehensive, client-friendly services to HIV positive individuals.   If we cannot provide the service that is needed, whenever possible we assist in finding someone who can.    Available services include:

• Housing Issues –  We can assist with eviction, rent overcharges, unreturned security deposits, landlord’s failure to make needed repairs and other issues affecting your housing rights.
• Powers of Attorney/Wills –  We prepare durable powers of attorney for healthcare and financial decisions so you can plan for your health and business affairs to be taken care of in the event you become unable to.   We also prepare simple wills or provide referrals if you need more complicated estate planning.
• Protection from Creditors –  If collection agencies or other creditors are harassing you about outstanding debts which you c annot afford to pay, we can help you negotiate for relief.
• Planning for the Care and Custody of Your Children –  We can assist in court proceedings to establish joint guardianships for your children.   We can counsel and assist you with less formal alternatives to guardianships to plan for the long-term care of your minor children.
• Divorce and Other Family Law Issues –  We can assist in simple, uncontested divorce proceedings, child support modification, domestic violence and other family law issues.   In contested matters, we will help you find a family law expert for further assistance.
• Public Benefits and Other Legal Needs –  We provide assistance and/or referral with certain issues regarding public benefits such as SSDI, SSI, MediCal and Medicare, GA, ADAP and other programs.   If you have other legal needs, please contact us to see if we can help.

The Hawkins Center is a member agency of the Contra Costa HIV/AIDS Consortium, a body composed of community service providers, people living with HIV, county health staff and others who are dedicated to providing and improving services to people living with HIV and AIDS.   Services available through Consortium member agencies include medical and community based case management; housing assistance; substance abuse treatment; assistance with transportation; food and utility needs; mental health services; benefits advocacy and legal services.    In addition, The Hawkins Center is also a member of the Family Care Network, a program providing comprehensive, integrated medical, psychosocial and support services for children, women and families living with HIV.   The Family Care Network primarily serves residents of Alameda and West Contra Costa Counties.