Free & Low-Cost Legal Help for Veterans

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

Independent nonprofit (founded 1981) that directly represents veterans at no cost and trains thousands of volunteer attorneys nationwide.

• Lawyers Serving Warriors: Free expert legal help for discharge upgrades, medical retirement, Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), and TSGLI claims — cases placed with volunteer attorneys from law firms and corporate legal departments
• CAVC Appeals: Free representation at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
• Burn Pits Claims Assistance: Help with toxic exposure benefits under the PACT Act
• Class action litigation: Systemic change cases on behalf of veteran populations

Cost: Free | Coverage: Nationwide | nvlsp.org

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

Created by Congress in 1992 to connect veterans denied benefits with specially trained volunteer attorneys. Over 30 years of service.

• CAVC Appeals: Representation from initial appeal through the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary
• Discharge Upgrade Program: Free attorney for veterans with Other than Honorable (OTH) or Undesirable discharges who have PTSD, TBI, MST, or other mental health conditions

Cost: Free | Coverage: Nationwide | vetsprobono.org | Apply here

ABA Free Legal Answers (Federal)

Submit questions about VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and similar issues online — volunteer attorneys respond for free.

ABAFederal.FreeLegalAnswers.org

Over 15 law schools run free legal clinics specifically for veterans. Law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, handle VA claims, discharge upgrades, appeals, and other legal issues at no cost. The National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium (NLSVCC) coordinates this network and is recognized by VA as a Veterans Service Organization.

Full member list: nlsvcc.org/members-list | Additional clinics at Stanford, Syracuse, U of San Diego, LSU, Hofstra, and more.

Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) place free legal aid attorneys inside VA medical facilities. VA healthcare providers screen patients for unmet legal needs, then refer them to on-site legal clinics where pro bono attorneys provide advice and representation.

Issues Covered

• Child custody and family law
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction defense
• VA benefits and discharge upgrades
• Consumer debt and bankruptcy
• Criminal record sealing/expungement
• Elder law, advanced directives, estate planning
• Domestic violence protective orders

Scale

The VA Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) Grant Program has awarded approximately $42 million to ~92 organizations nationwide. Grants of up to $500,000 per organization fund 2-year cycles. Veterans receiving MLP services report less stress and are more likely to take prescribed medications.

How to Access

• Ask your VA healthcare provider, social worker, or case manager about legal clinics at your facility
• Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) — 24/7
• Full grantee list: va.gov/homeless/lsv.asp

Eligibility note: The LSV program primarily serves veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, but many MLP clinics serve all veterans at their facility. Ask your VA social worker.

Many state bar associations run dedicated programs connecting veterans with pro bono attorneys. The ABA Home Front directory maintains a state-by-state guide at ABAHomeFront.org.

The ABA Military Pro Bono Project accepts case referrals for junior-enlisted active-duty military facing civil legal issues and places them with pro bono attorneys. Covers family law, consumer issues, foreclosure prevention, and landlord-tenant disputes.

States with Notable Programs

Additional state programs exist in Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maine. Check the ABA Home Front directory for your state.

Family law — custody, divorce, child support, guardianship — is one of the biggest unmet legal needs for veterans. Most VA-focused programs handle benefits claims but not family court. The resources below specifically help veterans with family law issues.

Custody & Deployment

• SCRA protections: Active-duty servicemembers can request a stay (pause) on custody proceedings during deployment. Courts must grant at least a 90-day delay.
• All 50 states have deployment custody laws: Most prohibit permanent custody changes based solely on a parent's military deployment. The deployment itself cannot be used as evidence that a parent is unfit.
• Family Care Plans: DOD requires single parents and dual-military couples to file a Family Care Plan designating a temporary guardian. This does not give the designated person permanent legal custody.
• Temporary custody orders: Courts can issue temporary custody arrangements during deployment that automatically revert when the servicemember returns.

Child Support & VA Disability

• VA disability can be garnished for child support: Under Rose v. Rose (1987), VA disability compensation is considered income for child support purposes and can be subject to court-ordered support.
• VA apportionment: VA can redirect a portion of a veteran's benefits directly to dependents not living with the veteran — this is separate from state court child support.
• SCRA interest rate cap applies to pre-service support obligations during active duty.

Divorce & Military Benefits

• Military retirement can be divided in divorce under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) — state courts treat it as divisible property
• VA disability compensation cannot be divided in divorce — it is exempt from property division (but can count toward support)
• TRICARE after divorce: The "20/20/20 rule" — if the marriage lasted 20+ years, the servicemember had 20+ years of service, and there was 20+ years of overlap, the former spouse keeps full TRICARE benefits

Where to Get Free Family Law Help

• VA Medical-Legal Partnerships — many cover family law (see section above)
• Legal Services NYC: Child custody assistance — (917) 661-4500
• Veterans Legal Institute: Family law for LA/Orange County veterans — vetslegal.org
• CT Veterans Legal Center: Family law services — (203) 479-0375
• Stetson Veterans Advocacy Clinic: Family law and guardianship for Tampa Bay area
• ABA Military Pro Bono Project: Family law cases for junior-enlisted active duty
• Houston Bar Association Veterans Legal Initiative: Family law clinics
• George Mason M-VETS Clinic: Family law for Northern Virginia veterans

Tip: If you cannot find a veteran-specific family law program in your area, contact your local legal aid organization — most have family law attorneys and many prioritize veterans. Use LawHelp.org to search by state.

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) are specialized court programs that address the underlying causes of veterans' criminal behavior — typically substance abuse, PTSD, TBI, or other mental health conditions — through tailored treatment and support instead of traditional incarceration.

How They Work

1. Team approach: Judge, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, probation, VA representatives, and volunteer veteran peer mentors work together
2. Evaluation: Both prosecution and defense must agree the case is appropriate for Veterans Court
3. Treatment plan: Individualized plan presented to the judge — upon approval, the veteran begins treatment
4. Duration: Typically 15–18 months with frequent check-ins
5. Completion: Successful completion can result in charges being dismissed or reduced

Who May Qualify

• Veterans from all military branches, including Guard and Reserve
• Generally must have a qualifying diagnosis (PTSD, TBI, substance use disorder, etc.)
• Eligibility varies significantly by county and state
• Talk to your defense attorney about VTC eligibility — do not contact VTCs directly

Support Available

• VA Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Specialists coordinate services and connect veterans to VA benefits and healthcare
• Connection to long-term supportive housing
• Peer mentoring from other veterans who have been through the program
• Justice for Vets supports VTC implementation nationwide

VTCs operate in hundreds of jurisdictions. Find programs: VA Veterans Treatment Court listing | Bureau of Justice Assistance VTC Program

VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)

Available at VA medical centers nationwide. IPVAP serves veterans who are experiencing intimate partner violence AND veterans who are at risk of using violence.

• Safety planning and emotional support
• Connection to local IPVAP coordinators and social workers
• "Strength At Home" program for veterans at risk of using violence
• Relationship health assessments
• Connection to community partners (shelters, legal aid)

Access through your local IPVAP Site Coordinator, Primary Care Social Worker, or Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-829-6636 | socialwork.va.gov/IPV

Legal Protections for DV Victims

• Protective orders / restraining orders are available through civilian courts
• VA can help connect veterans to local shelters and safe housing
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) services at VA also cover intimate partner violence experienced during service
• VA Medical-Legal Partnerships at many facilities handle domestic violence protective orders

Two separate systems exist for managing the affairs of incapacitated veterans, and they are often confused. Understanding the difference is important for families.

Key Conflicts Between the Two Systems

• A state-appointed guardian is not automatically recognized by VA as the veteran's fiduciary
• VA may appoint its own fiduciary even if a state guardian exists
• A VA fiduciary has no authority over non-VA assets

When to Use Which

• Only VA benefits need managing: Apply for the VA Fiduciary Program
• Comprehensive help needed: Pursue state guardianship AND VA fiduciary appointment
• The veteran has the right to appeal a VA incompetency determination
• Least-restrictive alternatives (like supported decision-making) should be considered before full guardianship

Important: Consult an elder law attorney experienced with both VA and state guardianship law. | VA Fiduciary info: benefits.va.gov/fiduciary

VA Adoption Expense Reimbursement

Veterans with a service-connected disability causing infertility may qualify for adoption expense reimbursement:

• Up to $2,000 per adopted child under age 18
• Maximum $5,000 per calendar year for multiple adoptions
• Covers qualifying expenses: agency fees, legal costs, etc.
• Covers all adoption types: infant, intercountry, special needs, single or married
• How to apply: Submit VA Form 10-10152 within 2 years of finalized adoption

VA Adoption Expense Reimbursement details

Active-Duty Military Adoption Benefits

• DoD reimbursement: Up to $2,000 per child, $5,000/year through DFAS
• Parental leave: Primary caregiver up to 6 weeks; secondary caregiver 14–21 days
• Health coverage: Adopted child eligible for military health benefits with a court placement order

Additional Resources

• Military OneSource Adoption Consultations: Free, confidential — 800-342-9647 | militaryonesource.mil
• AdoptUSKids — Military Families: Federal resource for military families interested in foster care and adoption — adoptuskids.org
• Federal adoption tax credit: Up to $13,460 per child (verify current year amount) — eligible in addition to DoD/VA reimbursement
• "A Child Waits" grants: Up to $10,000, independent of military benefits
• VA Fertility Services: Veterans with service-connected infertility may also qualify for expanded IVF services through VA — see our Healthcare page for details

Veterans with a combined disability rating of 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for each dependent (spouse, children, dependent parents). Managing these claims correctly prevents costly overpayment debts.

Adding or Removing Dependents

• Use VA Form 21-686c — electronic submission available; VA may decide in 48 hours
• Report changes within 30 days (marriage, divorce, birth, child leaving school)
• Failure to report = continued payments you're not entitled to = VA debt

Common Disputes

• Verification audits: VA randomly sends Form 21-0538 (Mandatory Verification of Dependents). Failure to respond results in removal of dependents and potential overpayment debt.
• Divorce/separation: Veterans must notify VA when a marriage ends. VA can withhold future payments to recoup overpayments.
• Stepchildren: May lose dependent status after divorce from the biological parent.
• School enrollment: Children 18–23 must be in school full-time to remain dependents. VA may request proof of enrollment.
• Custody disputes: Can affect which parent claims the child as a dependent for VA purposes.

If a VA debt is created, you can request a waiver or dispute through the VA debt management process. Keep copies of all marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates, and school enrollment records. | Manage dependents at VA.gov

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced pension benefit for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities. It has important legal implications for families doing financial planning.

Medicaid Coordination

• Veterans can receive both Medicaid and VA pension, but benefits may be reduced
• Nursing home Medicaid recipients with no spouse or dependents: VA pension reduced to $90/month
• A&A is often excluded from Medicaid income calculations (varies by state)
• No estate recovery for Aid and Attendance (unlike Medicaid)

Asset Transfer Rules

• VA has a 3-year look-back period for asset transfers (separate from Medicaid's 5-year period)
• Transferring assets to qualify for A&A can disqualify the applicant for a penalty period
• Both programs' rules must be considered when doing financial and estate planning

Marriage & Remarriage

• Surviving spouse benefits end upon remarriage
• Common-law marriages count if recognized by the state where the couple lived

Major Veterans Service Organizations provide free, VA-accredited claims representation. Understanding what they do and don't cover helps you find the right help.

Discharge Upgrades

• Veterans Consortium: Free attorney if OTH/Undesirable discharge + PTSD/TBI/MST — Apply here
• NVLSP Lawyers Serving Warriors: Free representation nationwide — nvlsp.org
• Yale VLSC: Published Discharge Upgrade Application Guide with forms — law.yale.edu
• CVLC Discharge Upgrade Manual: Free self-help guide
• Multiple law school clinics handle discharge cases (see table above)

VA Benefits Denial Appeals

• NVLSP: Free representation at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
• Veterans Consortium: Free CAVC representation — most veterans seeking benefits financially qualify
• Law school clinics: William & Mary, UIC Law, Widener, Stetson, Harvard, and others handle appeals
• VSOs (DAV, American Legion, VFW): Free representation at VA hearings and Board of Veterans Appeals
• Read more: VA Claims Appeals Guide

Housing & Eviction

• VA SSVF: Rapid rehousing and eviction prevention grants
• HUD-VASH: Permanent supportive housing vouchers
• HUD Eviction Protection Grant Program: Free legal help for tenants at/below 80% AMI facing eviction
• VA Medical-Legal Partnerships: Many handle landlord-tenant disputes
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID-VET (24/7)

Employment (USERRA Violations)

• DOL VETS: File a complaint — dol.gov/agencies/vets
• ESGR: Informal mediation — 1-800-336-4590
• Private lawsuit: Federal court with jury trial if DOL doesn't resolve it
• Read more: Legal Protections (USERRA & SCRA)

Consumer Protection & SCRA

• SCRA protections are not automatic — you must request them from your lender/landlord with a copy of military orders
• CFPB Military Tools: consumerfinance.gov
• DOJ Servicemembers Initiative: justice.gov/servicemembers — Know Your Rights guide
• Military OneSource: Legal resources and referrals — militaryonesource.mil

Approximately 2,400 County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) across 29 states help veterans access VA benefits. They are accredited by VA to prepare, present, and prosecute VA claims — free of charge.

Important: CVSOs are not attorneys. They handle VA claims and benefits — not general legal matters like family law, criminal defense, or housing disputes. For those issues, they can refer you to local legal aid programs.

Find your CVSO: nacvso.org | Or call 211 for local referrals

If you're not sure where to start, these directories can help you find the right program for your situation: