Legal Assistance

The Navy Legal Service Office located in building 2, Suite 300. NLSO preform regular defense and legal assistance. Emergency legal advice and support is available. The duty officer's phone number is 224-639-3284 Legal Assistance 847-688-3805 x111 or email RLSOMW_LA@Navy.mil 

Services Provided

The Legal Assistance Office offers attorney consultation, command briefs, and notary services to active duty personnel, retired military personnel and dependents. Reservists are eligible for pre-deployment legal assistance (wills, powers of attorney, Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act advice), and are eligible for all services while on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days.

Legal assistance is currently provided for personal legal matters, including but not limited to:

• Adoptions
• Civil lawsuits
• Contracts
• Debtor/Creditor disputes
• Domestic Relations -- divorce, separation, nonsupport, custody, paternity
• Guardianship/Name changes
• Immigration
• Involuntary allotments/Garnishment
• Landlord-tenant problems
• Small claims court proceedings
• Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
• Wills/powers-of-attorney

Clients may obtain powers of attorney and notarization services on a "walk-in" basis during normal working hours. Emergent legal matters may also be handled on a walk-in basis, depending on attorney availability. All other matters require an appointment, which can be made by calling 847-688-4753, ext. 111 during normal business hours.

Limitations on Legal Assistance Services

Legal Assistance attorneys are prohibited from advising on private business ventures and matters against the government. Additionally, attorneys cannot provide advice over the phone, except for distant areas. In this case, the eligible member must fax the front and back of the military/dependent's identification card.

The Naval Legal Service Office, North Central Detachment, Great Lakes' mission is to provide quality legal services and counsel in support of the operational readiness of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard commands and eligible individuals in the NLSO's area of responsibility in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner. The types of services available from the NLSO are Defense, Claims, and Legal Assistance.

Area of Responsibility

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Legal Services Provided

Command Services

Command Services provides advice in the following subject areas: Administrative Law, Admiralty, Administrative Separations and Processing, Disciplinary Options, Freedom of Expression and Grievances, Homeland Security, Interactions with Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies, Subpoenas, JAGMAN Investigations, Military Justice, Operational Law, Personnel Matters, Standards of Conduct and Government Ethics.

Legal Assistance

Legal assistance can include advice on topics such as consumer/financial affairs, disaster relief support and advice, family law, foreclosure advice and counseling, immigration, notary services, powers of attorney, landlord/tenant matters, Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, small claims court matters, victim assistance, and wills/estate planning. Pre-deployment services are given priority. Please contact your local office to see how it can best meet your pre-deployment needs.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information on our services. If you would like an appointment, please fill out the Client Intake Package and email it to us at rlsomw_la@navy.mil. If you would like a will or power of attorney, please also download and complete the appropriate forms below and send them to us with your client package.

Legal Assistance Topics

Learn more about legal assistance topics that commonly affect military members such as consumer affairs, family law, wills, or powers of attorney. The information provided is for educational and general information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney before relying on the information contained within the website to make a decision or take any action.