THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE DIVISION of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is in Bldg 5, corner of Vibbert Ave and Sigerfoos Rd, (706) 545-3281/3282. Hours: 0800-1700, Mon-Fri. Attorneys advise and assist active duty and retired personnel and their family members in the areas of domestic relations, contracts, real and personal property, bankruptcy, landlord/tenant law, tort, military administrative matters, taxation, and wills and estate planning. If client caseload permits, Legal Assistance attorneys can represent clients, authorized assistance by Army Regulation, in certain limited actions such as stepparent adoptions and probate. Attorneys cannot advise on income- producing activities such as rental properties and other personal businesses. The Legal Assistance Division provides federal and state tax forms and publications, tax preparation assistance, and electronic filing for personal income tax. Georgia and Alabama Ad Valorem tax exemption forms are also available to soldiers who have registered their cars in Georgia or Alabama but are legal residents of another state. A notary public is on duty during normal business hours to notarize documents requiring a seal. ( Ad Valorem tax exemption available to soldiers with cars in their names only).

The Legal Assistance Division of the Staff Judge Advocate provides legal services in Building 5, on Vibbert Avenue. Powers of attorney and notarizations are on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Counseling by an attorney is provided to active duty and retired military personnel and family members by appointment. Appointments are made by calling 545-3281/3282 on Friday mornings beginning at 8 a.m. Each Friday, appointments are made for the following week only. Please call close to 8 a.m. to ensure the availability of appointments.

Limited walk-in attorney consultation is available for bona fide emergencies, such as receipt of a court summons.

Legal Assistance Attorneys are authorized to prepare wills, powers of attorney and separation agreements. They can also furnish guidance on federal and state taxation, as well as on various consumer problems, including creditor/debtor and landlord/tenant matters. Limited in-court representation is also available to soldiers for certain specific legal problems.

Consultation on family law matters, such as adoptions, change of name, guardianship of minors, and divorce is also available. Discussions with legal assistance personnel are strictly confidential. Emergency legal assistance may be obtained during non-duty hours through the Installation Staff Duty Officer, 545-2218.

For additional information, call 545-3281/3282.

CLAIMS

The Claims Division, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, is located in Room 35, Building 5.

The Notice of Loss or Damage (DD Form 1840R) that must be turned in within 70 days from date of delivery of household goods may be turned in anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Claims forms and instructions may be picked up weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Persons with small property damage claims (10 items or less) are seen on a walk-in basis from 8 to 11 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Persons with property damage claims exceeding 10 items or $1,000 in value must schedule an appointment during the afternoon. For appointments or special arrangements for emergency situations, call 545-2285/2286.

CRIMINAL LAW, VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate provides liaison services to crime victims and potential courts-martial witnesses. The victim/witness liaison officer serves as a point of contact and will refer victims or witnesses to agencies which can provide necessary counseling or other services. The victim/witness liaison officer may be contacted by calling the Criminal Law Division at 545-3185. After duty hours, assistance may be obtained by contacting the Installation Staff Duty Officer at 545-2218.

TRIAL DEFENSE SERVICE

As most service members are aware, officers of the Judge Advocate’s Corps are available for consultation and representation for active duty persons concerning military criminal law matters including Article 15 counseling. Also assistance and representation is available for administrative discharge problems. These services can be obtained from Trial Defense Service in Building 65 located on Wold Avenue. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling 545-2175.