An Introduction to Navy Legal Services
Navy Legal Services provide free legal assistance to military and their families. They provide service members with legal paperwork, help them understand their rights and obligations, and give them information on using the courts if necessary.
The majority of attorneys in the Navy provide legal assistance on a part-time basis while they are assigned to Navy ships or bases. Active-duty service members are only eligible for legal assistance if they are stationed aboard a ship home-ported out of Norfolk or stationed at another base in Norfolk . Navy Legal Services can give service members information on how to transfer their legal assistance to another location should they be transferred.
Legal services provided to active-duty members include personal affairs, civil legal assistance, adoption, consumer law, domestic matters, estate planning, family law, guardian/conservator, immigration, landlord/tenant, military administrative actions, military justice/miscellaneous, Navy family support, Navy retiree, servicemembers’ civil relief act, tort claims and wills.
Unfortunately, members of the Navy Reserves are not eligible for legal services at the Norfolk base.
Common Types of Legal Support
Navy Legal Services in Norfolk, Virginia provides a range of legal assistance options to active duty members, their families, reservists on active duty and retired members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The types of legal assistance provided range from legal consultation to holding wills and notary days for members of the active duty military and their families stationed on the Naval Base, at the Naval Station Norfolk and the Joint Warfare Center in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as Fort Monroe and Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. Family law is an important topic for many military personnel, as spouses and children are sometimes the first target when serious issues arise. Legal assistance attorneys in Norfolk, Virginia provide help with divorce, child custody and support issues, spousal support, property distribution and military discharges. Military members can get assistance with some criminal and noncriminal issues, but the availability of these services depends on the severity of the situation. General advice and counsel or referral to private attorneys may be recommended for both civilian and military issues that cannot be handled at Navy Legal Services in Norfolk, Virginia. Navy Legal Services also provides help with other civilian issues for military personnel and their families, such as bankruptcy, consumer credit and leases, criminal injuries, domestic violence and personal injury issues. Those who face civil and small claims actions may also be able to get assistance with their legal defense.
How to Access Navy Legal Services
For those stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, or on deployment and having a Norfolk home of record, there are numerous resources available to access these attorneys. As above-mentioned, these attorneys are highly experienced in military-specific legal concerns. As a soldier or unit commander, you can access appropriate legal assistance either from the base or while deployed.
Legal assistance officers are generally available Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1600 for personal legal matters, wills (wills are on a by-appointment basis), and estate planning. All other legal assistance inquiries can be dealt with over the phone. Appointments are available on the following days, Monday through Friday: Walk-ins are accepted on a limited basis. Bring any documents relevant to your issue, such as court papers, contracts, and financial records, receipts, and anything else you believe important. Generally you will be able to meet with a legal assistance officer on a walk-in basis. However, you should always try to call ahead for an appointment. If you talk to a staff member and they tell you that the officer you need to see is busy, return to this blog post and adhere to the above guidelines!
Navy Legal FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Navy Legal Matters at Norfolk
Lack of Resources
I am a Sailor currently facing a problem with the Navy, however there are no legal resources on base to help me. What can I do?
Unfortunately, Navy legal aid offices are only located in regions that contain a large Navy presence. In fact, there is no Navy legal aid office in most of the continental United States. This is hardly surprising given that resources are limited and there are certain to be gaps. You should utilize the red tape cutting website from the Navy to find who can best assist you.
Non-JAG Assistance
I was offered assistance from a civilian attorney but I am worried that it does not satisfy the requirements of a JAG.
Civilian assistance can be a great option if you have a particularly complicated situation, or one that requires immediate attention. Typically, you will not get the benefit of an enormous amount of service-wide experience . However, there is no reason that you cannot use civilian assistance in conjunction with other Navy programs.
Living in Norfolk
I am stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Can I use attorneys in other regions?
Not necessarily. The Navy’s JAG program only operates in certain regions for legal aid. Generally speaking, the JAG might be able to refer you elsewhere, however, they cannot transfer you, as they are not your authorized attorney.
Under the Influence
The JAG said that I would win my case, but I was found guilty. I think I was under the influence when he gave me advice. Did he give me bad advice?
Law is not an exact science and people can be found guilty even if they are innocent. However, there is no doubt that as you become intoxicated your ability to advise and guide is diminished. This is something you might consider when personalizing a particular JAG’s advice.
Norfolk Legal Offices Contact Information
Located adjacent to Old Dominion University, Hampton, and Portsmouth, Norfolk is a popular destination for Navy servicemen and their families. In addition to having access to what the ‘757 has to offer in terms of restaurants and entertainment, it is also home to some of the Navy’s Legal offices, such as:
Regional Legal Services Offices in Norfolk:
• Naval Legal Services Office Norfolk (Navy) – Provides legal assistance to O-6 and below personnel, their spouses and dependent children, as well as to DOD and PX cardholders.
Location: 1250 Washington Avenue, Building C, 5th Floor, Suite 550 Norfolk, VA 23511
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Phone Number: (757) 322-4822
• Naval Station Norfolk JAG Detached Unit (Navy) – Provides legal assistance to active duty military members E1 through E9, their spouses and dependent children. Also provides legal assistance to DOD and PX cardholders.
Location: 9074 Hampton Blvd, Bldg. #T-59, Ste. 220, Naval Station Norfolk, VA 23505
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Phone Number: (757) 444-4376
• Submarine Base New London (CT) Detachment Office (Navy) – Provides legal assistance to active duty military members E1 through E9, their spouses and dependent children. Also provides legal assistance to DOD card holders.
Location: Building 8, Room 130, 20 Moale Street, Groton, CT 06340
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Phone Number: (860) 694-4697
• Navy Counsel Norfolk (Navy) – Private Law Units
Location: 2365 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 125, Virginia Beach VA 23452
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone Number: (757) 417-4200
• Regional Legal Services Office (Marine Corps)
Location: 1968-G Diamond Springs Road, Suite 103 Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone Number: (757) 462-6899
• Camp Peary- Norfolk JAG Detached Unit (Navy Reserve) – Provides legal assistance to active duty military members E1 through E9, their spouses and dependent children. Also provides legal assistance to DOD and PX cardholders.
Location: 3217 York Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185-2108
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone Number: (757) 847-3140 or (800) 628-7497
Conclusion: The Effect of Navy Legal Services
The Navy Legal Services Office (NLSO) program has played a significant role in ensuring that military members and their families receive the legal guidance and assistance they need to navigate complex personal matters. From providing free legal advice and services to service members and their families, to handling a wide range of legal issues, NLSO has become an indispensable part of the Navy community in Norfolk.
In this way, NLSO has played a crucial role in promoting morale and improving the quality of life for service members and their dependents. This, in turn, enhances military readiness and operational effectiveness, which are essential to the Navy’s mission of maintaining maritime security and deterring potential threats to the nation’s interests.
Additionally , the NLSO program not only meets critical needs within the Navy community but also serves as an important resource to other organizations and civilians in the community who may benefit from its legal services. In this way, NLSO contributes to the local community’s overall well-being and helps to foster positive relationships with various stakeholders.
In short, the work of the NLSO in Norfolk, Virginia, and throughout the Navy, underscores the vital role that legal services play not only in the lives of military members and their families but also in the military’s overall mission. It is through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Lieutenant Yeung that the Navy Legal Assistance program continues to make a meaningful impact on the military and civilian communities they serve.
