Recent News

September 9, 2011

Support Our Troops with C.L.A.S.S.

The effects of military mobilizations has a tremendous impact on the families of military personnel who must manage the household without a parent and/or spouse. In many cases, activation can mean a substantial decrease in income, interruption in child care, and problems with an employer.

There are protections in place to minimize these setbacks, including the Soldiers & Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment & Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA). While the military legal assistance system is currently able to effectively handle the legal affairs of military reservists called to active duty, in many cases, it is not equipped to handle the volume brought about by large-scale mobilizations. The Columbus Bar is prepared to provide immediate assistance when current military resources cannot satisfy the demand in Central Ohio.

We are currently working to expand the network of attorneys educated in the special protections afforded under military law who can provide pro bono legal assistance in a variety of areas, including:

• Family Law (divorce, dissolution, child support, etc.)
• Debtor-Creditor (including mortgages, leases, and credit cards)
• Real Estate
• Bankruptcy
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Probate and Estate Planning
• Employment Rights
• Civil Litigation

To volunteer or obtain more information about the legal services available to soldiers and sailors through C.L.A.S.S., contact Marion Smithberger at 614/221.4112 or marion@cbalaw.org.