Legal Assistance

The Fort Hamilton Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) provides legal services to active duty members of all services, retirees, National Guard and Reserve personnel on active duty for 30 days or more and family members who are in possession of a Uniformed Services Military Identification Card.

Types of Services

Legal services provided include:

• Counseling
• Negotiation
• Preparation of legal documents such as a Power of Attorney, Living Will, Will and Estate planning and Notary Public
• Income Tax Preparation during the tax season

Household Goods Claims

These claims involve loss or damage during shipment of household goods and privately owned vehicles, as well as during storage at government expense, and loss or damage to personal property located in government quarters or other authorized locations incident to government service. The Fort Hamilton Legal Assistance Office is the initial point of contact for servicemembers who needs to file a Household Goods Claim. 

If you have loss or damage to your personal property, you may need to file a claim. Use the front of DD Form 1840/1840R to notify the mover of any loss or damage you find at the time of delivery. If further loss or damage is discovered after the transportation provider departs, use the reverse side of the form, DD Form 1840R.

You must file DD Form 1840/1840R within 70 days of delivery. Completing and submitting the DD Form 1840/1840R does not constitute filing a claim. A claim is separate and distinct from these forms. You can reach the claims office at 718-630-4664 and they will give you complete instructions on where and how to file DD Form 1840/1840R and your claim.