Legal Assistance at Joint Base Lewis-McChord: What You Need to Know
ALWAYS CALL BEFORE VISITING TO CONFIRM OPEN HOURS - NOTICE: Attorney advice is by appointment only. *Closes at 3 p.m. on the last Friday of each month and in accordance with the Holiday Schedule as posted on the official Joint Base Lewis-McChord website's home page.
Life in the military can bring unique challenges, and navigating the legal landscape shouldn’t be one of them. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), our dedicated Legal Assistance offices are here to support service members and their families with professional guidance on a wide range of issues—from family law to landlord-tenant matters. Here’s an overview of how we can help and where to find the office on JBLM Main.
Where to Find Us
Lewis Main Legal Assistance Office
Address: 2008B N 3rd St, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98433
Room 306B, BLDG 2008B
McChord Field Legal Assistance Office
Address: 100 Col. Joe Jackson Blvd, JBLM, WA 98438
Phone: 253-477-1886
Our mission is the same: to provide you with prompt, knowledgeable, and confidential legal services. If you’re unsure which office to visit or have a time-sensitive question, please don’t hesitate to call.
Services We Provide
1. Family Law
What we cover: Marriage, paternity, annulment, divorce, financial non-support, child custody, and visitation.
Why it matters: Military families face a range of stresses, and we’re committed to helping you handle family-related legal matters with confidence.
2. Wills & Estate Law
What we cover: Wills, guardianship for minors, life insurance, Advance Medical Directives (AMD), Healthcare Powers of Attorney (HCPOA).
Why it matters: Proper estate planning secures your family’s future, ensuring your wishes are carried out as intended.
3. Economic Issues
What we cover: Bankruptcy, garnishments, involuntary allotments, debt, banking, credit card issues, non-government claims, and disputes over lending agreements.
Why it matters: From unexpected financial hardship to questions about credit, our office can help you navigate the complexities of fiscal challenges.
4. Landlord-Tenant & Real Property
What we cover: Lease agreements, disputes between tenants and landlords, and other real property concerns related to your principal residence.
Why it matters: Housing issues can be stressful. Let our legal team guide you through lease terms and tenant rights.
5. Military Administrative Matters
What we cover: Investigations (15-6), Article 138 complaints, compassionate reassignments, correction of military records, flags, Financial Liability Investigations of Property Loss (FLIPL), General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR), Letters of Reprimand (LOR), Inspector General (IG) investigations, Officer Evaluation Reports (OER), Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Reports (NCOER), Line of Duty (LOD) investigations, and more.
Why it matters: Military life comes with its own administrative demands. Our attorneys have the expertise to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
6. Civilian Administrative Matters
What we cover: Guidance on administrative and quasi-judicial matters within municipal, state, or federal agencies.
Why it matters: Sometimes, service members or family members need clarity when dealing with civilian agencies—our office can help you navigate the bureaucracy.
7. Notaries and Other Services
Notary Services: We can notarize important documents to ensure their legal authenticity.
Powers of Attorney: Authorize someone to act on your behalf when you’re away or otherwise unable to act.
Certified Copies of Original Documents: Obtain officially certified copies for your records or for use in legal proceedings.
Attorney Referrals: If your issue extends beyond our scope, we can provide referrals to qualified civilian attorneys.
Making an Appointment
We encourage anyone needing legal assistance—whether it’s a question about a future deployment, an impending divorce, or just wanting peace of mind about your will—to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 253-477-1886
We’re Here to Support You
At JBLM, our Legal Assistance program exists to make your life easier, helping you focus on what truly matters—your family and your mission. Whether you’re an active-duty service member, retiree, or family member, we’re committed to providing the legal tools and guidance you need.
For further information or any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 253-477-1886 or stop by one of our offices. We look forward to serving you!