These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Why it matters
You can say"If you got very sick and couldn't talk, who would you want to speak for you?"
An advance directive says what care they want and names a person (an agent) to decide for them.
2Fill out the New Mexico form (free)
New Mexico has a free form. No lawyer is needed.
They sign and date it. Witnesses are not required, but two adult witnesses are a good idea. No notary is needed.
You can ask"Who do you trust? Have you asked them if they are willing?"
3Get free help filling it out
End of Life Options New Mexico
Free help with advance directives and end-of-life planning
505-393-1321
New Mexico State Bar Foundation - Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP)
Free legal helpline for people 55 and older
800-876-6657
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
NM Aging & Long-Term Services - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Senior and disability help line (Medicare/SHIP counseling)
800-432-2080
· Mon-Fri 7:45am-5pm
4Serious illness: talk to the doctor
Ask their doctor about a MOST form (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment). It is signed with the doctor and tells EMS and hospitals what to do.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
See the guide "Has a serious illness and may be near the end of life".
5Keep copies where they can be found
Give copies to the agent, the doctor and the hospital.
At the Gospel MissionWith their OK, the case worker can note in their record who their agent is.
More help like this
Just got out of jail or prisonUse when someone was released from jail or prison in the last few days and needs a place to sleep, food, ID, medicine and to check in with probation or parole.Has a court date, a warrant, or needs legal helpUse when someone has a court date, thinks they may have a warrant, owes court fines, or needs a lawyer for a criminal or civil problem.A loved one is in jail or prisonUse when a family member is in jail or prison and the family wants to visit, send money, or needs help while they're gone.Needs a lawyer for divorce, custody, child support or a protection orderUse when someone needs help with divorce, custody, visitation, child support, guardianship, or a protection order.Needs immigration help or speaks little EnglishUse when someone has immigration questions, a hearing, needs papers, or needs help in Spanish or another language.Wants to clear (expunge) a criminal recordUse when an arrest or conviction record keeps someone from jobs or housing and they want to see if it can be cleared (expunged), or need a copy of their record.
See all guides in Health and recovery →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.