vet and bankruptcy

Question:

I am writing on behalf of my significant other who is a veteran.  he is needing low cost or pro bono legal help here in AZ for bankruptcy. Can you possibly provide any resources? I'm running into a brick wall.

Jim's Reply:

When a military veteran runs into civilian legal problems, all too often that veteran will seek free legal help based on his or her status as an honorably discharged vet. Unfortunately, there is no such thing in most cases. Veterans law attorneys don't charge veterans any money up front for managing issues about veterans benefits with the VA. But even those attorneys have to pay bills so they get paid from retro money after the veteran prevails in an appeal. Veterans are civilians who often enjoy a sort of respected or even revered status in their community and most others want to help the veteran as he transitions back into the mainstream of our civilian world. But when we run into civilian legal problems, we're on our own just as anyone else would be. I get many requests for expert free legal help for divorce, bankruptcy, child support and alimony payments, and criminal problems of incarcerated veterans and there are very few public resources that can help. You may want to reach out to law schools and keep your eyes open for legal clinics at VA facilities. Otherwise, he needs to retain an attorney at the usual fee.

  • PS from StatesideLegal:  Use the "Find Legal Help" directory to look for LSC resources in Arizona that might be able to help or refer your significant other to a volunteer attorney willing to help with bankruptcy.