Mental Hygiene Legal Service (MHLS) is another resource for individuals residing in residential settings, or people eligible to reside in a certified setting. MHLS is a New York State agency responsible for representing, advocating, and litigating on behalf of individuals receiving services for a mental disability. MHLS operates pursuant to Article 47 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law and is an agency of the judicial branch of government. The law allows MHLS to provide legal representation to an individual and can inform residents and their families of other available legal services if they are unable to provide direct representation in a case. MHLS has designated offices for every county in the State. Legal assistance can be obtained by contacting the closest regional office, MHLS office in Albany, NY can also be contacted at (518) 451-8710 and given the same information. The person will then be referred to the MHLS office that would handle the matter. (Continued on Page 12) All of DRNY's Services are FREE
Restoration of Rights
The judge will want to hear from all parties and will review all papers submitted before deciding. The judge may decide to hold a hearing and take sworn testimony from witnesses. The attorney will involve and support the client through the entire process, which could take several months. More information on this process for people under guardianship can be found in What to Expect if I Want to Terminate My Guardianship on the DRNY website. DRNY is a non-profit law office and advocacy agency that protects and advances the rights of people with disabilities. These efforts include assisting people who are under guardianship who wish to end the guardianship and have their rights restored. DRNY also helps people for whom guardianship is being sought who wish to retain the right to make decisions. DRNY can provide assistance in both Article 17-a Surrogate’s Court Procedures Act CPA 17-A and MHL Article 81 guardianship proceedings.
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