Legal assistance services change from appointments to walk-in system Published Nov. 28, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Mahafuz Uddin Air Force Flight Test Center Staff Judge Advocate EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Flight Test Center Staff Judge Advocate Office is changing its legal assistance services from appointments to a walk-in system, effective Dec. 5. Those seeking services will no longer need an appointment to consult with an attorney on their legal matters. Legal assistance, including a same-day will service, is available on a walk-in basis on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. Patrons should be aware that legal assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For clients who cannot meet during these hours, appointments may be scheduled for another time. Services offered The base legal office, located in Bldg. 1, offers a variety of legal assistance to those who qualify. Lawyers from the Judge Advocate Office cannot represent patrons in court, but they can provide them with preliminary advice, assist with filing documents and write letters on their behalf on a wide variety of legal issues. They also may be able to provide civilian attorney referrals, depending on the situation. The legal assistance officers in JA are licensed attorneys who are assigned by the Air Force to provide advice and counsel on legal matters. Clients may freely discuss all matters with these Air Force attorneys because conversations are confidential, and protected as attorney-client privileged communications. A superior military officer may not order disclosure of confidential communications, with one exception -- interactions relating to a client that indicates intent to commit a future crime are not privileged. If someone has already committed an offense either in the military or civilian community, the legal assistance attorney will refer the person to a military defense counsel. Wills All clients desiring to execute a will must bring a completed will worksheet or a ticket number with them when they come in. In order to complete a will worksheet or to obtain a ticket number, clients must visit the legal assistance website at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. Whether clients are at home or at work, they can fill out all the paperwork needed to complete a power of attorney, advance medical directive or last will and testament. Powers of attorney and notary services Powers of attorney and notary services are available, on a walk-in basis, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eligibility for Services The following people are eligible for legal services: · All active duty members and their dependents; · All retired personnel and their dependents; · Civilian employees and civilian contractor personnel deploying to or in a theater of operations have the opportunity to prepare and execute wills and powers of attorney (They must present a copy of their orders.); · Civilian employees of the Department of Defense and their dependents, when stationed overseas; · Contractors, if specified in their contract (Contractors must present a copy of the entitlement.); · Reservists on federal active duty under Title 10, United State Code; in this case, their dependents are eligible as well; · Inactive Reservists and National Guard Members in an inactive status may receive mobilization- and deployment-related legal assistance, to include wills, advance medical directives, powers of attorney, protections and responsibilities under the Serviceman's Civil Relief Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and notary services. Areas not covered by legal assistance The legal assistance program is not designed to provide assistance in the following areas: · Civilian or military criminal matters. Contact the Area Defense Counsel at 661-277-2809. · Official matters in which the Air Force has an interest, such as discharges, pay problems or complaints about medical care. · Personal commercial ventures and private business activities. · Standards of conduct and ethics questions unrelated to Air Force business. Getting the best help The best way a lawyer from JA can help clients is by advising them before they act, office representatives say. There are several ways people can help lawyers be more effective. They should: · Review the legal assistance brochure related to their issue prior to a visit. · Bring any and all papers and documents about their issue when they come to see an attorney. · Tell their attorney all the facts of their case. They should not be afraid or ashamed to tell the bad with the good. Lawyers can provide proper advice only if clients fully inform them about the problem. Legal office contact information follows: AFFTC/JA 1 S. Rosamond Blvd Edwards AFB, CA 93524 DSN: 527-4310 Civ: 661-277-4310 Fax: 661-277-1625 afftc.ja.workflow@edwards.af.mil afftc.ja.generallaw@edwards.af.mil