According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2015-2019 American Community Survey, as cited in this infographic, seven percent of all Texas adults are veterans of the U.S. military, making Texas the state with the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. Throughout the country, veterans report that access to free legal services is a top ten unmet need. Today, as we honor veterans not only in Texas but in every state, from every branch of the military, and from every service era, we at the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library are providing links to legal information and resources aimed at addressing the need for veterans’ access to justice.
Houston Bar Association Veterans Legal Initiative
Lone Star Legal Aid – Military and Veterans Unit
Texas Veterans Legal Assistance Project (VLAP)
Texas Veterans Commission – Free Legal Assistance for Civil Matters
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (Resources)
State Side Legal – Veterans Legal Help Navigator
ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel
TexasLawHelp.org Video Series: Veterans Legal Matters - This series includes the following videos:
VA Disability Benefits: Understand the differences between the two types of veteran's disability benefits: Service-connected disability benefits and non-service related disability pensions.
Veterans and Family Law: There are unique circumstances for veterans situating custody, visitation, the rights to make decisions concerning the children, and child support. If you are a veteran, reservist, or national guard member and are separating from your child's other parent, this video explains the legal arrangements available to you.
Intro to Criminal Justice Resources for Veterans: Explore the legal options veterans have after being accused of a crime. These include special Veterans Treatment Courts that take into account the unique circumstances of veterans, removing or hiding criminal incidents on records, and obtaining a limited-use driver's license.
Psychiatric Advance Directives: Use a psychiatric advance directive (PAD) to document your preferences for future mental health treatment and to appoint a health representative to interpret those preferences during a crisis. Draft a PAD when you are well enough to consider your treatment preferences. Your PAD will help guide treatment if you are unable to make decisions during a mental health crisis.
For additonal blog posts on this topic, please visit Ex Libris Juris online. Today and every day, we thank you for your service. We salute you!