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Mission: Family: Need legal help? New website offers strong starting point

Whether you have a basic legal question or want to know what your options are for getting more extensive legal help, there’s a new resource: ABA Home Front.

The American Bar Association has long worked with the military legal community on a variety of issues, but this website brings their work closer to the broader military community.

Launched in May, the website includes basic information about working with a lawyer.

It answers questions about topics such as the impact of military service on marriage and your rights under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act. It also provides information to help you find an attorney with experience in your type of case.

The site doesn’t provide specific legal advice, but it’s a fine starting point.

A directory under the “Legal Help” link can help you find your nearest military legal assistance office — military attorneys who can provide free assistance on a variety of topics, far beyond just wills and powers of attorney. But this section also points to programs that provide free civil legal assistance in the community, allowing you to search by state.

It includes legal aid and pro bono programs, though eligibility for some of the free legal help may be limited based on income.

The site also provides a connection to lawyer referral programs. These lawyers charge for legal services, but may offer a discount.

Lawyers also may use the site to sign up for the ABA’s pro bono program, volunteering their time to help military families. In addition, attorneys can volunteer to be available to receive calls or emails from military legal assistance attorneys who need guidance on state-specific legal issues.

Officials expect to add information on landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, health law, contracts, and employment law as they expand the site.

Staff writer Karen Jowers is the wife of a military retiree.