Resources Available to Service Members and Veterans
Service members, Veterans, and their families make a lot of sacrifices as they dedicate their lives to protecting the nation and upholding its values, and they deserve the support of the country they serve. Recognizing their service helps foster a culture of gratitude and respect, which can strengthen the social fabric of our society. By supporting service members, Veterans, and their families, we not only honor their service but also ensure that they receive the assistance they need to thrive in society.
Legal Assistance Office Services
Service members and their families have access to a variety of free legal services through the legal assistance office at their installation. The legal assistance office is there to help military families manage their personal legal affairs effectively and efficiently. It's important to note that representation in court is not available for service members or their families, but the legal assistance office can provide many other services for active and retired service members and their families, including:
- Family law advice
- Notary services
- Tax assistance
- Will drafting
- Advice on civil lawsuits
Legal assistance offices also help people to understand and exercise their rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), a law that provides both legal and financial protections to active service members.
- Military Legal Assistance and Civil Matters
- Free Legal Services for Veterans and Service Members
- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
- Legal Assistance Services for Army Soldiers
- Legal Aid and Other Low-Cost Legal Help
- What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?
- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys
What the Legal Assistance Office Can't Do
The legal assistance office can provide a wide range of services to active and retired service members and their families, but there are certain areas where they cannot offer help or intervene. These include:
- Conflict of interest situations
- Matters requiring in-court representation
- Real estate transactions or disputes
- Issues related to business formation and operation
Other Sources of Legal Help
For legal matters beyond the scope of the legal assistance office, service members and their families may need to seek help from a military defense counsel or private lawyers.
If you're being prosecuted or facing a discharge by the military, you'll need a military defense counsel. They are judge advocates who provide legal advice and representation for military members who are facing a court-martial, including cases involving letters of reprimand or revocation of your security clearance.
If you're dealing with a criminal matter or another issue that the legal assistance office cannot help you with, you'll need to find a civilian attorney to help you. The services of a private attorney are not free, though you may be able to get the fee reduced or get pro bono representation if you cannot afford a lawyer.
- Defense Counsel Responsibilities and Legal Precedents in Military Justice Cases
- Military Lawyer vs. Civilian Lawyer: Which One Is Right for You?
- How Military Defense Attorneys Differ From Civilian Lawyers
- Military Law: An In-Depth Guide for Service Members
- Understanding Court Martial Counsel
- Veterans' Legal Services: Options and Needs
Additional Military and Veteran Support Resources
- Mental Health in the U.S. Military: Where Are We Now?
- Mental Health First Aid for Military Veterans and Their Families
- Veteran Mental Health: Not All Wounds Are Visible
- Relocation Assistance Program
- Effects of Moving on Military Families
- Moving Companies With Military Discounts
- Financial Assistance for Military Families
- Homebuyer Grant Program for Military Families
- Basic Allowance for Housing: What You Need to Know
- Closing Cost Assistance for Military and Veteran Families
- Military Benefits Guide: Active Duty
- Guide to Military Benefits
- Unlocking Success: A Veteran's Guide to Job Search Mastery
- The VA's Top Ten Tips for Veteran Job-Seekers
- Mastering the Transition: A Comprehensive Guide to Job Interviews for Veterans and Military Personnel
- How to Find a Job After the Military
- The Five Best Job Search Tips for Veterans
- Five Job Search Tips for Military Spouses