How to Get Free Assistance From a Military Lawyer

Judge advocate generals, or JAGs, are military lawyers who provide some free assistance to soldiers and their families. There are many subjects that JAGs can help you with, but they cannot act as your defense counsel during a court martial proceeding.

Instructions

1. Talk to the commander's office at your base to find out where the military lawyer's office is located. Almost every facility, even the smallest ones, offer free JAG assistance. Call and make an appointment to discuss your issues, since a large number of clients may make walk-in service impossible.

2. Get a military lawyer to help you write a draft of your will. While this can be a difficult subject to talk about, every soldier should have an updated will filed with her attorney. This service should still be available to you after you retire.

3. Bring any leases to your JAG before you sign them. Get these documents read over to be sure that there are no clauses that could work against you. Remember that the JAG's office can also notarize these documents if required.

4. Ask your free military lawyer to help you work through divorce and child-support issues. If you are a deployed soldier, get your JAG to file the necessary paperwork to postpone your divorce hearing until you finish your tour of duty.

5. Require a confidentiality agreement with your JAG or any other legal counsel. If needed, she can provide negotiation assistance by speaking with another party's attorney. Use these legal counsel talks to avoid setting disputes in court.

6. Go over your taxes with your JAG before you file them. Some facilities are equipped to help you file your income taxes electronically, but others may have to refer you to a civilian organization. Remember that JAGs are not certified public accountants and cannot represent you in front of the IRS.

7. Discuss your options for finding a civilian lawyer if you need one. Ask your JAG for a referral, but be sure to provide some guidelines, like your price range.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a commander or high-ranking officer, go over any war laws that you are unsure of with the base's military lawyers.

• Meeting with JAGs may help you prepare for a court martial, but they cannot defend you directly in summary trials.

• Your JAG can also provide you with a copy of the Military Rules of Evidence, which will be essential if you are going on to court martial proceedings.