History of the Office of Military and Veterans Legal Affairs (OMVLA)
In an effort to address and cater to the unique legal needs of veterans and military members, Washington state has established the Office of Military and Veterans Legal Affairs (OMVLA). This pivotal institution serves as a comprehensive resource, aiming to bridge the gap between military service and civilian law for those who've served their country. The OMVLA's mission is not just about legal representation; it's about empowering veterans through justice, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they receive the respect and benefits they rightfully deserve.
For veterans navigating the complexities of legal challenges that may arise post-service, understanding how the OMVLA operates can be the first step towards obtaining justice and peace of mind. In this blog post, we'll explore the essentials of the OMVLA, its offered services, and how veterans can access this support system.
Advocacy, Support, and Legal Resources
A central pillar of the OMVLA's mission is providing legal guidance and support for military members and veterans facing legal obstacles. Whether dealing with employment issues, benefits disputes, or other legal matters, the OMVLA and its volunteer attorneys stand ready to assist. The office not only advocates on behalf of veterans but also coordinates with various legal entities to ensure that those who have served receive legal support.
You can learn more about the OMVLA on the Washington State Attorney General's website ↗.
Navigating Legal Challenges with OMVLA
Veterans and active military members often face unique legal challenges upon returning to civilian life. The transition can be fraught with complex legal issues, ranging from employment discrimination to difficulties in accessing state or federal benefits. The OMVLA recognizes these hurdles and offers targeted assistance to help navigate these legal waters successfully.
For example, one of the key areas of support involves aiding veterans in understanding and asserting their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), ensuring fair treatment in the workforce regardless of their service.
How OMVLA Can Help
OMVLA is supported by volunteer attorneys who will receive monthly updates about open questions, and offer to help when there is a matter that fits with their experience. The engagement is suggested to be 30-60 minutes, but some attorneys may opt to spend longer if they have the time and think it can make a difference for the veteran.
The Office of Military and Veterans Legal Affairs represents a significant commitment on the part of Washington state to support and advocate for those who've served in the military. The OMVLA's array of services and resources provides a robust network of legal support designed to honor the sacrifice of veterans and military members by ensuring they have access to justice and legal assistance tailored to their unique needs.
If you're facing legal challenges or have questions about how the Office of Military and Veterans Legal Affairs can assist you, start by taking a look at the program's requirements (e.g., income limitations, type of support available) and complete the OMVLA intake form ↗.
Requirements Summary
We can help you if:
- Your home or military duty station is in Washington State.
- You are a veteran, service member, or their family member - at least one of:
- You are serving in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or Space Force. You can get help if you are on Active Duty, or if you are in the Reserves or National Guard.
- You have ever served in the US military.
- You are married to someone who is serving or served in the US military.
- You are the surviving spouse of someone who served in the US military.
- You are under the age of 21 and your parent served or is serving in the US military.
- You need help with a non-criminal legal problem in Washington State, like a disagreement with your landlord, a family law problem, or a wills and trusts issue.
- Your income is under 4 times the federal poverty level. For one person, your monthly income can be up to $4,860. For a family of four, your monthly income can be up to $10,000.
OMVLA Cannot Help You If:
- You need help with a criminal legal problem.
- You do not live in Washington State (even if your legal problem is in Washington).
- Your legal problem is in a different state (even if you live in Washington).
- You want someone to go to court for you or represent you.
