Legal Protections

The Uniform Veterans Guardianship Act authorizes the appointment of a guardian for Veterans and their minor dependents who are mentally or physically incapacitated. This Act outlines the appointment process, duties, responsibilities, limits, as well as the costs and fees of guardianship.

Whenever an incompetent Veteran is eligible for treatment in a VA Medical Center, and that commitment is in the best interest of the Veteran, Alabama courts are authorized to make arrangements on the Veterans behalf.

The Arkansas Service Members Civil Relief Act provides the following benefits:

The Arkansas Veterans Legal Services Clinic offers legal assistance to Veterans across Arkansas. Students from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock, supervised by a VA accredited attorney, help Veterans with VA appeals and discharge upgrades.

Arizona Veterans Court is a collaborative process that includes the prosecutor, defense counsel, Judge, the VA, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, and other community-based support organizations.

The Connecticut Supervised Diversionary Program allows Veterans to avoid prosecution and incarceration for minor offenses by successfully completing a court-sanctioned, community-based treatment program.

Florida Veterans Courts handle criminal cases involving defendants who are service members and Veterans, to help them successfully integrate back into the community and avoid further legal issues.

The Georgia Uniform Guardianship Act authorizes the appointment of a guardian for an incompetent Veterans and for the Veteran's children when VA benefits are involved.

The Missouri Attorney General's DEFENDERS Program provides free legal assistance to service members and their dependents for certain legal matters. Additionally, DEFENDERS helps service members, and their families find and retain affordable and qualified legal counsel.

North Carolina Veterans' Guardianship Act authorizes the appointment of guardians for incompetent Veterans, incompetent dependents of Veterans, and minor dependents of Veterans.

Nevada state law permits the appointment of a financial guardian for anyone who is receiving benefits from the VA. Who is eligible for the Nevada Uniform Veterans' Guardianship Act? A Veteran, or those receiving benefits from the VA based upon the Veteran's Service in the U.S.

OMLA provides free legal assistance and representation to active duty, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard service members in a wide range of civil law matters, as well as wills and powers of attorney.

The ODVA Conservatorship Program authorizes the appointing of a conservator for a Veteran or their family members:

VEMP offers protective payee services for Veterans and family members who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. VEMP assumes custody of the individual's finances and ensures basic needs - such as housing, food, clothing, and medical care - are provided.

Wyoming National Guard Service members are exempt from the following:

The Wyoming Uniform Veterans' Guardianship Act provides for the appointment of guardians to act on behalf of any Wyoming resident Veteran (or their dependents) who has been determined to be unable to handle their personal estate due to age, infirmity or disability and are eligible for VA benefits.