Legal Assistance Element 50

JAX/Norfolk Purpose Review some of the no-cost services available at your base legal office

12 matters you can get free legal help on Specific legal services may vary by installation, but your legal assistance office can generally help with the following: Powers of attorney. Reviewing leases and rental contracts. Living will. Notary services. 1.A power of attorney allows one person to legally act on your behalf on legal and money matters. For example, a power of attorney document can appoint someone to release your household goods shipment if you're leaving before your furniture will ship or bank on your behalf while you are deployed. 2. A lawyer can review your lease or rental contract before you sign it to be sure the terms are acceptable, and that the agreement includes any military rental protection clauses for your state. 3. With a living will, you can declare what medical treatment or life- sustaining measures you want or don’t want if you become seriously ill or injured. 4,. Notaries can administer oaths, witness signatures, take acknowledgements, sworn statements and affidavits, and more.

12 matters you can get free legal help on Estate planning Consumer issues. Tax assistance. Family care plan. 5. Estate planning is an important part of retirement planning and can include: Drafting of a will, a legally binding document describing how you want your property and belongings distributed after your death. Designating your beneficiaries 0r Planning ahead should you become mentally or physically disabled. 6. If you're having credit problems, if you believe you're the victim of a scam or if you have a dispute over a consumer issue, legal assistance attorneys may help you communicate and negotiate with collection agencies, lawyers or other parties. 7. Many legal assistance offices operate tax centers or provide income tax return preparation to help with filing federal, state or local taxes. 8 A family care plan serves as a blueprint, for military purposes, for how you want your family cared for while you’re deployed. A plan is required for single parents, dual-military couples with children, or if you care for a disabled or elderly family member. Legal assistance offices can review and advise on this matter.

12 matters you can get free legal help on Family law Service member rights and responsibilities Civil lawsuits. Immigration and naturalization. 9, Get legal advice for a range of family issues, including adoption, child support, marriage, divorce, separation, child custody, alimony, property division, name changes, paternity or legal benefits under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act. 10, Legal assistance offices can help you understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides specific protections for service members. 11. If you ever find yourself involved in some types of civil lawsuits. you may be able to get help with the preparation of legal correspondence, documents and pleadings. 12. You can get support and referrals for immigration, citizenship and naturalization matters, including alien registration, re-entry permits, passports, naturalization of a surviving spouse and citizenship of military children born abroad.

Tips Call as far in advance as possible for an appointment If you are planning to separate, plan ahead and take care of legal affairs while you are still eligible Retirees can use the installation legal (and financial planning) offices on a space-available basis. Depending on the location, you may have to wait to see a representative.

Resources http://www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services.htm http://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-and- legal Base or Installation Legal Office

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