An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Legal Assistance Expansion, Free lawyer to help with divorce

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ronald Adams
  • 375 Air Mobility Wing, Legal Office
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  It is an unfortunate but unavoidable reality that many marriages end in divorce. When that happens, both husband and wife are thrown into a complicated mess of forms, hearings, arguments and ... (cue the cash register sound bite) ... lawyers.

Traditionally, the uniformed attorneys at Scott Air Force base, Ill and other Air Force installations have played a passive role in assisting clients in the divorce process. Air Force attorneys advise clients on the law, but do not represent the client in court or fill out forms in his or her behalf. Now that passive role is about to change.

Uniformed attorneys may now represent eligible members in court and assist in filling out necessary forms to obtain a divorce.

The new program will be narrow in application. Members with children are not eligible, nor are members with any issues in contention or substantial property ownership. If you don't agree with your spouse on everything, you can't use the service.

In essence, the limitations leave only those individuals desiring a simple, uncontested divorce. Clients must also understand that the attorney will not handle money for them and will not pay any court fees. Additionally, the client must sign an agreement to limit the scope of representation. If any issue becomes contested in court, the attorney will withdraw from the case.

Notwithstanding the narrow application, many individuals will benefit from the program. Those individuals will no longer be alone in the complicated divorce process, nor will they be required to pay extraordinary fees for the services of a civilian lawyer. The assigned uniformed attorney will assist with all necessary forms and accompany the client to court, where he or she will argue in the client's behalf. The result will be a significant reduction in stress on the emotionally and mentally taxing endeavor of obtaining a divorce.

For further information please contact the legal office at 256-3542.