Taking care of those who have sacrificed so much
You’ve served your country, and now you’ve found yourself in legal trouble. Or, perhaps you’re trying to file a claim with the VA to secure the benefits you put your life on the line to receive. When bureaucracy and red tape stand in your way, you may not know where to turn.
Many veterans have limited resources and are trying to navigate the legal system alone. However, there is free veteran legal help in Florida. Today, the Florida personal injury lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are sharing some resources for veterans facing legal difficulties.
Free veteran legal services
You may find the help you need from one of these resources. Many offer free legal help for veterans or assistance on a sliding scale.
Florida Veterans Legal Helpline
The Florida Veterans Legal Helpline handles the following types of cases for veterans:
- Veterans’ benefits, including filing initial claims and appealing denials, applying for a character of discharge review, and working on discharge updates
- Family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, and modification of child support
- Housing cases, including foreclosures or problems with a landlord or lease
- Driver license concerns, including suspension due to unpaid child support
- Social Security needs, like SSI and SSDI claims
- Drafting advanced directives and other healthcare surrogacy documents
- Help with sealing or expunging criminal records
You may call (866) 486-6161 to apply for services from Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm. Veterans may seek advice over the phone or in person in the office.
Florida Courts Help
Florida Courts Help connects veterans who need legal help with the courts with many relevant forms, information, and other resources, including:
- Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, a comprehensive guide to the benefits available to veterans and their families, updated annually
- Veterans Resource Guide for the Florida State Court System, a guide that includes information about Florida courts and substance abuse information for benefits
- Veterans Courts, which provides specialized resources for veterans with substance abuse concerns and trouble adjusting after active duty
- Legal Help for Veterans, focusing on helping veterans with VA-related needs
Coast to Coast Legal Aid South Florida
Coast to Coast Legal Aid focuses on helping elderly veterans with civil legal services. It’s open to eligible veterans and their families in Broward County and nearby areas. Contact them if you’re seeking help with:
- Family law, including divorce, an injunction against domestic violence, and paternity questions
- Elder law affecting people 60 and older, like housing or foreclosure defense, health and public benefits, and financial exploitation
- Assistance for caregivers of a senior who meets the DOEA guidelines for frailty
- Economic advocacy, including helping with Social Security Disability & SSI claims, TANF and SNAP benefits, unemployment benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare claims
Mission United Veterans Project
Mission United Veterans Project offers pro bono legal services to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in Broward County. If you’re a veteran, you can access quality legal services at no charge.
Common causes the Project handles include:
- Family law, like divorce and paternity, parenting and child custody, and child support
- Veteran-specific needs, like discharge upgrades, overpayment waivers, VA healthcare enrollment and claims, and service-connected disability appeals
- Estate planning and probate
- Bankruptcy and consumer debt relief
- Foreclosure or lease issues
- Social Security and SSDI claims
- Disability appeals with the VA
- Immigration and citizenship visa applications
- Driver license suspensions
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Veterans and their families can access pro bono legal services through the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. This agency helps veterans appeal health and services claims with Medicaid and Medicare, the VA, and the Social Security Administration.
You can find out more by calling (561) 655-8944, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or applying for services online. You may receive advice only or apply for an attorney to represent you.
Legal help for those who served their country
If you’re having difficulties with legal issues beyond those listed above, you may still be able to find relief. Florida Legal Aid can connect you with attorneys and law firms that offer free or reduced-rate representation for even the most complex cases.
On Veterans Day, the entire legal team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath wishes to thank all veterans for their service to our country.
