JAG Corps unveils Air Force legal assistance Web site

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Laura Rosenzweig
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps has unveiled an Air Force legal assistance Web site. Next time you need a will, power of attorney or just have a legal question, visit www.aflegalassistance.com. The site is designed for active duty, reserve and retired military members and their families. The site can be accessed from home computers.

The Web site was created to increase efficiency and track client satisfaction with the Air Force legal assistance program. Because it is a public site, clients may access the site's features from home without a common access card.

Features on the new legal Web site include:
  • Legal topics -- Short papers on common legal assistance topics such as wills and family law issues. It also contains links to other helpful sites.
  • Legal worksheets -- Access to online questionnaires for wills, living wills and powers of attorney. After completing the online worksheet, the Web site provides each client a unique ticket number. Data entered by clients is secure and may be accessed only after clients visit the local legal office and provide their ticket number.
  • Online survey -- Following an actual visit to the local legal office, clients are encouraged to provide feedback on the Web site concerning the professionalism and helpfulness of the legal staff.
Clients often visit a legal office to obtain a will or other legal document and realize after arriving that they need to gather more information or documents from home. Sometimes a client realizes he needs to speak with his spouse about an issue. Completing an online worksheet will help minimize these multiple visits.

By filling out an online worksheet, clients will be able to consider critical issues prior to visiting the legal office. The client may take his ticket number to the legal office where an attorney or paralegal can access the data with the ticket number. This reduces the amount of information the client needs to bring and allows the legal office to streamline the process.

While the Web site will increase convenience for clients, there are limitations. For example:
  • Information on the Web site is for educational and informational purposes only. The Web site cannot replace consultation with the local legal office. Airmen should never rely solely on Web site information when making decisions.
  • Clients cannot print a legal document from the Web site. They need to visit the legal office and provide their ticket number to obtain printed documents.
  • The Web site is designed for client convenience, but no one is required to use the site prior to visiting the legal office.
Powers of attorney or notary service is available at the legal office during duty hours Monday through Friday. Walk-in legal assistance is offered on Tuesdays between 2 and 4 p.m., mission permitting.

For an appointment or to prepare a will, call 213-7404. Legal assistance appointments are available Wednesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and Thursdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

The legal office staff values your feedback concerning the Web site and the services you receive. And next time you come in for legal services, don't forget your Web site ticket number.