i am a veteran who needs a lawyer now where can i get this help

by Harrison Hudson 4 min read

You can use the National Organization of Veterans Advocates (NOVA) website for help in finding a lawyer. NOVA has an online directory of attorneys (and non-attorney agents) who have been accredited by the VA as well as many attorneys who are admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals.

If a Veteran needs legal assistance, you may contact one of the listed legal service clinics, visit www.statesidelegal.org*, ABA Federal Free Legal Answers*, http://vetlex.org* or Pro Bono Resources for Veterans*. You may also contact your local VJO Specialist who may know of community resources for legal assistance.

Full Answer

How to find a good family law lawyer for veterans?

Choose one who has a background in both family law and military law, as there are some unique aspects to child support and veteran’s benefits that your lawyer needs to understand. Consider looking for one that offers pro bono services to veterans. Understand the process of apportionment.

Can a veteran get legal help?

Today, veterans have more opportunities than ever before to get legal help. If you are a veteran who is struggling financially because of one of these common legal concerns, there are options out there, and many of them cost nothing to access.

How do I get a lawyer for a veteran in jail?

Contact the Public Counsel Center for Veterans’ Advancement. This organization provides legal representation to veterans and military families both locally and nationally. It’s the largest pro bono law firm in the world, and may be able to assist you in fighting your warrant, fines, or charges. Get a public defender.

Can a non-VA attorney help a veteran?

However, many non-VA legal providers are still providing legal services available to Veterans by phone or email. To seek assistance on a legal matter, Veterans may call or email a legal services provider listed in their area.* Click here to see a list of those legal service clinics.

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Is Jag available to veterans?

Every military legal assistance office provides free legal assistance to eligible personnel regardless of his or her branch of service. For example, a Marine can obtain legal assistance from an Army JAG, just as a soldier can receive legal assistance from a Marine JAG.

Is Jag free for military?

The military offers free legal assistance if you need to write your will, are considering signing a lease, or need a power of attorney or notarized signature and best of all, military family members have access to it. Military Lawyers are called Judge Advocates General (JAGs).

What can a veteran get for free?

5 Brands Offering Free Stuff for VeteransNational Park Service. ... Blue Star Theatres. ... Beachbody. ... VeteranRX. ... Veterans Day Meals. ... Seaworld Parks and Entertainment. ... Baseball Hall of Fame. ... 9/11 Memorial & Museum.More items...

What does a VSO do for veterans?

VSOs can assist veterans and their families in many ways, including: answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources. assisting persons in completing and filing benefit claims. representing individuals in VA hearings.

What is a military lawyer?

A military lawyer is the person to call when a service member or spouse faces legal action within military court proceedings. They can provide a defense or push back against the evidence mounted against their client.

How do you get a JAG?

If you have trouble locating legal assistance, you can find the office nearest your location by visiting one of the following websites:Air Force Legal Assistance.Army Legal Assistance Services.Navy/Marine JAG Corps.Coast Guard Legal Services.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.

Do you get extra money from Social Security for being a veteran?

Under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. The extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active duty for training. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.

Do veterans get paid for life?

The SSA evaluates military records when claimants apply for benefits, and qualifying veterans can get a lifetime earnings credit for wages during service. Eligibility is based on length of service.

What does the VBA do for veterans?

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is responsible for administering the department's programs that provide financial and other forms of assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors.

Does the VFW help with VA claims?

VA Claims & Separation Benefits Our nationwide network of VFW Accredited Service Officers are experts at navigating the VA system. These trained professionals assist veterans filing for their VA claims and help veterans get the benefits they deserve.

Should veterans use a VSO?

Do I have to use a VSO? No, you are not required to use a VSO. Veterans always have the option to prepare and file their own VA claim online for free at VA.gov.

What happens if a veteran cannot pay his mortgage?

When veterans cannot pay their mortgage, they face the very real reality of foreclosure and eviction. Thankfully, mortgage delinquency rates for VA loans in the United States have dropped significantly since a high of nearly 8 percent in 2009, weighing in at 4.5 percent in 2015, but this number still represents veterans who end up with no place to live because they have a financial setback and cannot pay their mortgages. If you are a veteran who is facing the reality of foreclosure, you need to know that you have options.

Why do veterans struggle financially?

Many struggle financially because they lack the services they need when difficult times strike. In fact, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 24.8 out of every 10,000 veterans in the United States are homeless. Many more are struggling, though they have not yet become homeless.

How long do you have to wait to get a hearing on your VA withholding?

If you disagree or feel that the amount will create undue hardship, request a hearing with the VA. You have 30 days to do so. This will stop the payments until the VA makes its final decision.

How much divorce is there in the military?

Surprisingly, divorce rates are relatively low, particularly when the service member or veteran is the male spouse. The University of Florida reports that military divorce rates are actually lower than that of civilian divorce rates when the enlisted spouse is the man. The same report found that the divorce rate was almost double for military women than for military men. Military.com breaks this down as 2.6 percent for military men and between 6 and 7 percent for military women.

When did the military get foreclosure protection?

First, understand the legality of foreclosure for members of the military. The Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003 and the subsequent Foreclosure Protection Act of 2008 put into place protections when a service member is in active military service.

Do veterans get homeless?

Many more are struggling, though they have not yet become homeless. While these numbers are slowly improving, chronic homelessness remains a problem for a significant number of veterans. Many organizations throughout the United States believe this problem should not exist.

Is divorce lower in the military?

The University of Florida reports that military divorce rates are actually lower than that of civilian divorce rates when the enlisted spouse is the man. The same report found that the divorce rate was almost double for military women than for military men.

Who is entitled to legal assistance?

Generally, legal assistance is provided to the following groups: All active duty military (including members of a reserve component), Reservists released from active duty, after serving 30 days or more, Retirees. Dependents. Federal civilian employees and their dependents are also entitled to legal assistance in certain circumstances.

What does a JAG officer do?

JAG officers hold all conversations and dealings with clients in strict confidence, as required by rules of professional responsibility.

Do veterans need legal assistance?

If you need to write your will, are considering signing a lease, or need a power of attorney or notarized signature then you need legal assistance, and best of all military service members and their families have access to legal assistance, absolutely free! Veterans are not eligible for these services. Generally, legal assistance is provided to the following groups:

Does the military provide legal assistance?

Each military service has specific regulations regarding the extent of legal assistance they provide. For further information, contact your legal assistance office.

What is the law office of the VA?

Our law office is dedicated specifically to veterans and is staffed by disabled veterans and military family members. We know what it’s like to be denied and have to appeal our claims before the VA. That’s why we’re passionate about helping our nation’s heroes get the compensation they deserve for serving our great country.

How much can a lawyer charge for back pay?

By law, a lawyer can charge between 20% and 33% of the back pay you are awarded. What that means is, if you appeal an original ruling by the VA and are successful, the VA will give you a lump sum of money equal to the back pay that you are owed from the time of the original ruling to the time benefits are granted. But there’s great news for veterans: the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) requires the VA itself to pay your attorney 20% of your back pay.

Do I need a lawyer for my VA disability?

If you are already fully versed in legal affairs, as I was when I appealed my own disability award, you may not need help from a lawyer. However, even for me, the process was long, grueling, and stressful. The good news is that retaining an experienced VA lawyer not only saves you that stress, but also improves your chance of success.

Who can help with VA claims?

You can get professional help with this detailed and often confusing process by hiring a VA accredited lawyer, claims agent, or Veteran Service Officer (VSO). These professionals are trained and certified in VA claims and processes.

How to apply for VA disability benefits?

If you have never applied for VA compensation in the past, you start this process by filling out an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). This form can be downloaded on your computer. The VA refers to this initial claim as your “original” claim.

How do I apply?

If you have never applied for VA compensation in the past, you start this process by filling out an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). This form can be downloaded on your computer. The VA refers to this initial claim as your “original” claim.

What is a BVA hearing?

A BVA hearing is a request to present your disability claims case before a Veterans Law Judge. With this process, you can request a video conference hearing where you can present testimony about your disability claim to a judge. This hearing will be translated and becomes a part of your appeal file.

What is VA disability compensation?

VA disability compensation may include financial payments and/or other benefits, such as health care and job training.

How to speed up VA disability claim?

To speed your VA disability claim along, you will need to be organized and respond to any VA requests or medical appointments in a timely manner.

What are the requirements to be eligible for VA disability?

To be eligible for VA disability compensation, you must have a current diagnosed physical or mental condition that meets the following requirements: You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training— AND. You have a disability rating for your service-connected condition.

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