Legal Assistance

The Naval Support Activity Crane Regional Office of the Inspector General contact information:
812-854-3061.

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 and Servicemembers 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:

• 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
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
• Wills and powers of attorney

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 remote areas. In that case, the eligible member must fax the front and back of the military member or dependent's identification card.

The mission of the Naval Legal Service Office, North Central Detachment, 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 areas of responsibility in a prompt, courteous and professional manner. The types of services available from the NLSO are defense, claims and legal assistance.

The NLSO, North Central Detachment, Great Lakes' primary geographic areas of responsibility are Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Canada (the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories only).

Requesting Services

Eligible individuals in need of assistance should select the appropriate link above and follow the instructions therein. Many services are available on a walk-in basis, such as notary services and powers of attorney. However, it is suggested that individuals call first to ensure that their particular needs can be addressed without an appointment with an attorney. Other services are available by appointment.

Military commands in need of assistance should submit a "Request for Services Letter." Select the appropriate letter below and forward it to the NLSO. For a complete explanation, the NLSO Instructions for requesting services should be reviewed.