Many military service people have a need for routine legal services. Whether it’s a power of attorney, the need to draft a will, signing a contract or a lease, or even just to have a documented notarized seal, all of us need legal help from time to time. The good news is, these and other services are available for Service members free from their local JAG office. Judge Advocates are the title that military lawyers use. (JAGs).
The good thing is that their services are free and available to Servicemembers and their families. They can offer help on a variety of things, both legal and non-legal matters. Even little things like purchasing a vehicle or choosing to rent an apartment, even paying taxes it is a good idea to know that you have a place to go where you can get free legal advice. Legal Offices are available for assistance on almost every installation, ship and base. A “Judge Advocate” is member of the bar, and someone who has graduated from an accredited law school. They are licensed to practice before federal or state courts, and also in military court issues. If a judge advocate helps an individual with personal legal issues they are referred to as Legal Assistance Lawyers.
For the most part the services of Judge Advocates and their staff is reserved for the use of Active Duty personnel, but in some rare cases certain services may be available to Reserve and Guard members during annual training periods or TDY duty serving on active duty. Each branch of the service has its own Judge Advocate Generals staff, and each are ran a little bit differently. Each service also has different rules as to what specific legal help and assistance they provide Servicemembers and their families.
If a military legal assistance attorney is not able to resolve your situation, they can often refer you to an attorney in the civilian community that may specialize on your issue or situation. Legal assistance offices can help often with the following:
-Preparing and Drafting Wills.
-Preparing Power of Attorney documents.
-As Counsel and Advocate for wronged clients.
-Making and dealing with complex legal issues
-Dealing with and negotiating with other attorneys or the government.
-Family and domestic affairs (pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, adoption, custody issues.)
-Consumer Affairs that involve the Servicemember.
-Estate Planning and executing wills.
-Reviewing Contracts before signing.
These services and others are available at your local JAG office, and best of all they are absolutely free.
