Legal Assistance - American Legion 2

  Helpful Links offers links to programs and assistance from the VA as well as independent sites. To ensure that our veterans and their families are given legitimate information we make every effort to thoroughly research all links before placing them on our website.

  The American Legion Post #40 has no commitment to or association with these websites.

  Please use caution when using these links. When interacting with any website, read their posted privacy statements as you will be subject to their privacy policies.

 While we support the protection of privacy on the internet, the American Legion Post #40 is not responsible for actions between you and the actions of third parties.

  Should you have any problems with any links, please notify webmaster@lanesboroamericanlegion.org

MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans)

   A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Minnesota veterans since 1990.  MACV provides many unique programs that serve veterans and their families throughout the state.

   The clinic will aid low-income veterans with housing, employment, debt collection, expungement and family law, to include child support.

   There are changes with the reopening of the clinic. The nonprofit organization says it: • Will no longer offer estate planning services. • Will target low-income veterans, not all veterans. • Will not advise family members of veterans.

   “We are still willing to discuss a broad range of legal issues that may impact housing stability, including family law, criminal expungement, debt, driver’s license issues, employment, financial issues, access to benefits, and any other legal issue that impacts a veteran’s ability to become or remain housed. As always, no appointment is necessary but if a veteran has questions about what services we can provide please have them call us prior to coming out to the clinic to discuss,” MACV said in a news release.

   For more information, contact Vetlaw at 651-200-4750.  https://www.mac-v.org/

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

SMRLS is hosting a free online workshop to teach you about different tools for empowering another person to make decisions for you if you cannot. You will learn:

- What is a Power of Attorney?

- What is a Health Care Directive?

- Do I need one?

- How do I get one?

- When should I update it?

A staff attorney from SMRLS' Legal Advocacy for Older People will host the presentation and answer questions submitted by the audience. Click here to sign up: https://smrls.org/community-legal-ed

Nursing Home Abuse Justice

  Founded to shine a light on the widespread abuse and neglect that occurs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  Their mission is to educate seniors and their loved ones on the appropriate actions they can take to help protect yourself or the people you love.  https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-neglect/

Berry Law Firm – Veterans Law Attorneys

   Veterans serving veterans.  If you need help with your veterans’ disability benefits appeal, Veterans Disability Claims Lawyers Are Ready to Help You.  Berry Law Firm currently has offices in Nebraska, Arizona, and Missouri and has represented veterans nationwide in all 50 states.  https://ptsdlawyers.com/

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

   Provides all active duty service members, reservists and the members of the National Guard while on active duty a wide range of legal protections not available to the general public.  The SCRA can postpone or suspend financial or civil obligations to prevent you from being taken advantage of while on active duty and away from home.  The protection begins on the date of entering active duty and generally terminates within 30 to 90 days after discharge.

   Protections offered include preventing landlord evictions, foreclosures, vehicle repossession, civil court proceedings (including divorce and child support hearings), and self-storage facilities from selling your belongings for overdue rent.  Other benefits offered include terminating current cell phone contracts, ending vehicle leases, ending a housing lease without penalty, limiting interest on all loans taken out before joining the military (includes auto loans, mortgages, student loans, credit cards, etc.), and if you use any of your SCRA rights and delay payments it won't reflect on your credit report.

   The SCRA also gives you other rights regarding property taxes, federal taxes, life insurance, and other financial or legal penalties or proceedings.  Check with your unit legal officer for specifics.

http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters/scra/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-overview.html

Just Great Lawyers

    A source to instantly connect with Local Lawyers. As a member of the military, you are called on to sacrifice constantly for the good of your country.  The US government has enacted several laws designed to protect your rights.  When you are called to active duty and head overseas, there are additional benefits enforced that can make your time on duty a little easier, both for you and for your family left behind. https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/legal-rights-on-active-duty

Maritime Injury Center

   The Jones Act was specifically passed to guarantee protections to maritime workers who have been injured on the job.  Although all seamen are entitled to maintenance and cure, in some situations the employer or employer’s insurance company may attempt to provide the injured worker with less than that to which he or she is entitled, even if the employer was clearly negligent in the accident that caused the injury.  https://www.maritimeinjurycenter.com/jones-act/

 Have questions or comments?  We welcome your opinion.  Please email your comments or suggestions to webmaster@lanesboroamericanlegion.org or call Anne at 507-460-9040. Thank you for your support.