Are you in need of legal advice? Well, good news, you can probably get it right here on base, and for free! The Minot AFB Legal Office is located in the 5th Bomb Wing Headquarters building at 205 Missile Avenue. Their services are available to many military-affiliated individuals, including Active Duty Airmen, their dependents, retirees and their dependents, and surviving dependents.
While many of the services they offer are by appointment only, a few matters, such as creating power of attorney documents or getting documents notarized, can be handled on a walk-in basis.
Appointments are available for legal advice on topics including will writing, divorce and child custody, legal problems with landlords or leases, consumer rights, protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and other civil matters.
Airman First Class Isabella Andujar wanted to emphasize that “all legal assistance is covered by rules of client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.” However, she added, “The two big things we cannot help with are criminal matters (whether the trouble is on base or off) and representing clients in court.”
Andujar was also asked what happens if someone needs legal advice about something not specifically mentioned in the list of services. Can they still talk to base legal? Her response was, “The best answer to your question is the common lawyer answer: ‘It depends.’ If the military member is just exploring their legal options or doesn’t know where to start, a military attorney is a great place to begin. If a member knows they want to go to court over a matter, a civilian attorney will have to represent them. Also, if the member has already retained a civilian lawyer, a military lawyer can no longer offer advice on the same issue.”
Realistically, divorce is one of the primary reasons military members and dependents seek legal guidance, especially when children or benefits are involved. Andujar explained how the base Legal Office can assist in divorce or potential divorce situations, saying, “Our office can advise on the legal and economic impacts of divorce, including how military benefits are affected for both the member and the dependent. We are happy to guide clients on how to use state bar referral services and what skills to look for when selecting an attorney. We recommend that in cases involving child custody, both parties hire an attorney. Most states’ laws do not specifically account for the military lifestyle when addressing child custody.”
She also noted, “If both spouses seek divorce assistance, they will have to consult two separate attorneys in our office to avoid a conflict of interest. We can assist with understanding where and how to file for divorce or child custody, as well as explain procedures for submitting forms and the general divorce process.”
The Legal Office truly can help in many ways. They also want to reiterate the importance of being prepared in life, starting with putting legal affairs in order through wills, advance medical directives, and estate planning. They encourage everyone to take the time to plan ahead legally, and they stand ready to help.
To make an appointment, call 701-723-4100 or DSN 453-4100.
