Mission:
To enhance the readiness of active duty and Reserve members of the Navy and Marine Corps, and to protect and enhance their morale and promote their welfare, by providing quality legal services regarding personal civil legal matters to eligible persons; and to educate eligible personnel regarding their personal legal rights and responsibilities.
Who is Eligible for Services?
Eligible clients are active duty service members, military retirees, and their dependants.
Matters Handled By Appointment Only
Step-Parent Adoption
Bill of Sale
Child Support and Custody
Consumer Law Issues
Uncontested Divorce |
Family Law Issues
Immigration (Citizenship)
Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Paternity
Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act |
Scheduling an Appointment
The Legal Assistance Office is located at Building 1514 on board Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (between the Fire Department and Base Theatre, next to the Main Exchange). Normal business hours are Monday through Thursday 0730-1530 and Friday 0730-1030. Our telephone number is (760)830-6111, DSN 230-6111. You may walk in during normal business hours or call to make an appointment.
Services Not Provided By Legal Assistance
Annulments
Bankruptcy
Criminal Matters
Civilian Restraining Orders
Contested Divorces
DUI |
Employment Disputes
Guardianships
Military Issues
Name Changes
Probate |
Immigration & Citizenship
This office can assist service members and their spouses with naturalization (citizenship). Pick up a forms packet at the front counter, follow the instructions, and then schedule an appointment with the paralegal. This office does NOT assist with other immigration issues such as obtaining conditional or permanent resident status, VISAs, etc.
Powers of Attorney
Power of attorney paperwork can be picked up during normal office hours or download and print the following documents here. However, this office will only notarize the forms during specific notary hours.*
- Special Power of Attorney (fill in the blanks)
Grants another person the right to perform acts you choose in your name. PREFERRED.
- General Power of Attorney
Grants another person the right to perform all acts in your name.
- Special Power of Attorney In Loco Parentis
Used to allow other caregivers to act in your place while taking care of your children.
- Special Power of Attorney Vehicle
Used to let another person use and take care of your vehicle.
Notary Public Hours
| Wednesday 1300-1500 and Friday 0800-1030 |
* Notary service is available at all other times during the week, work schedule permiting.
The signer MUST appear in front of the notary public or the requestor must present the original Power of Attorney. Please note this office cannot certify true copy without viewing the original. Also, please ensure your out-of-state documents do not require a state specific notary. Additionally, please be advised we cannot certify true public registered or court documents (i.e. birth certificates, court orders, etc.).
Wills
This office can assist you in preparing and executing a will. Our wills are basic wills; we do not prepare complex wills or living trusts. You will be required to attend a brief in order to gain access to these services. A wills brief is held the first Wednesday of every month. There is usually a 10 day turnover from the time of the brief until the final documents will be ready for execution. Please be advised, additional follow up is required. Will documents are executed the second Friday of every month. You may either pickup paperwork at our office or download and print the following downloadable documents prior to attending the class:
Divorce
This office only assists with uncontested divorces in which each spouse is willing to fill out and sign all necessary documents. For assistance, pick up a forms packet at the front counter, follow the instructions, and then schedule an appointment with the paralegal.
| To file for divorce, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirements: |
Uncontested means both spouses agree on all issues pertaining to the divorce: |
Lived in the county for three months;
Lived in the state for six months; and
If kids are involved, they must live in California. |
Dividing your property and debts;
Spousal support;
Retirement;
Custody of your children;
Visitation; and
Child support. |
Taxes
The Legal Assistance Office provides income tax preparation and electronic filing services as part of its income tax assistance program. Our preparers have been certified by the IRS for income tax preparation and all returns have multiple levels of review before submission. To make an appointment for tax preparation services call 760-830-4TAX or 760-830-4829 starting January 16th or visit the Tax Center at Building 1428 (located on 4th Street). Click here for more detailed information about what to bring to your appointment http://www.marines.mil/unit/29palms/SJA/Pages/Tax/Default.html
Command Legal Briefs Preventative Law Briefs, Pre-deployment Briefs, and Operational Law Briefs (i.e. Law of War and Rules of Engagement) may be requested by units. Requests should be received at least 2 weeks prior to requested date.
Contact Us Legal Assistance Office
Building 1514
Box 788102
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Twentynine Palms, CA 92278-8297
Phone: 760-830-6111, Fax: 760-830-8297
Other Area Legal Assistance Offices
Camp Pendleton:
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Joint Legal Assistance Office
Building 22161
Box 555023
Camp Pendleton, California 92055-5023
Phone: (760) 725-6558, Fax (760) 725-5038
http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/base/legalassistance/index.asp
MCAS Miramar:
http://www.miramar.usmc.mil/jlc.asp
MCRD San Diego:
http://www.dodhousingnetwork.com/marines/mcrd-san-diego/base-directory.php?i=35