Legal ease: Wing legal services office provides plethora of support Published July 16, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- On any given weekday, a visitor to the 42nd Air Base Wing legal services office is apt to find Tech. Sgt. Denise Spaulding in the reception area, ready to greet the next client or addressing someone's legal needs. It's the customer service aspect of the job that appeals most to the sergeant. "I love this job. The front desk is my favorite place to be," said Sergeant Spaulding, NCO In Charge, civil law. "The front desk is where you get to interact with the customers the most." The legal services office, which hums with activity from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, offers eligible personnel a broad range of legal services at no charge. Services include basic wills, living wills or advance medical directives, powers of attorney, notary services, dependent care issues, adoption, financial responsibility, domestic relations, Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, veterans' reemployment rights, casualty affairs, landlord-tenant issues, consumer affairs and tax assistance. The base's legal services are in high demand. From June 1, 2009, to June 1, 2010, the office helped about 4,000 people, not including those who sought notary services, said Sergeant Spaulding. Those eligible for legal assistance include members of the armed forces on active duty, including reservists, National Guard members and contract ROTC cadets on federal active duty, retirees, dependents, certain services for civilians and contractors deploying to a theater of operation, civilian DOD employees and their dependents stationed outside the U.S., and foreign military personnel assigned to the U.S. under certain circumstances. In addition to the about 20 personnel on staff, including eight attorneys and eight paralegals, the legal services office needs will witnesses. "When we're executing a will, we have to witness that the person is over 18 years of age, of sound mind, things like that," said Sergeant Spaulding. The legal services office prefers volunteer will witnesses to be anyone unemployed, particularly spouses, dependents, retirees or college students. They cannot be active duty or civil service employees. "It's a good experience for people looking for ways to help the military community," said Sergeant Spaulding. Witnessing usually takes five minutes, and notaries and will witnesses are on standby. The Maxwell legal services office is the first Air Force assignment for Airman 1st Class Austin Chamberlain, and it has helped him visualize his future. "I enjoy it," he said. "I want to be an attorney someday." For more information on services and eligibility, contact Sergeant Spaulding at 953-2786. Those seeking legal assistance are also advised to visit the new Air Force Legal Assistance website at www.aflegalassistance.com. It contains general legal information on a variety of topics that commonly affect active-duty and reserve members, retirees and dependents, as well as links to other helpful sites.