ArmyOneSource logoLast week, I introduced you to a collaboration of the State Bar of Arizona in an initiative to assist military personnel who were formerly deployed. As the organizers pointed out, those former servicemembers may face numerous challenges, including legal obstacles.

Organizers have created a multi-phased information campaign that will roll out over the coming weeks. What follows is this week’s message, recommending ways that attorneys may get involved to lend a hand.

I was pleased to see that this week’s message relates to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. We previously covered the Act in Arizona Attorney Magazine, which you can read here. (In the same issue, we also covered the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.)

While servicemembers are deployed, their families often face difficult financial pressures. Stress and strain on spouses, children and adult dependents can be intensified by creditors, bill collectors, landlords and lenders.

There are legal remedies available.

Since 2003, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) has allowed those serving on active duty to focus on their missions by relieving unnecessary or unfair financial stress on their families. SCRA limits the enforcement of civil liabilities, leases, installment contracts, mortgages and liens, such as:

  • Credit card interest
  • Mortgage payments
  • Pending trials
  • Taxes
  • Terminations of leaseState Bar of Arizona SBA_Logo_Color

Federal law ensures that servicemembers and their families are not hurt financially as a result of their service. By temporarily suspending or postponing civil proceedings, SCRA helps demonstrate that our nation values the sacrifices of these individuals.

Learn how you can help protect their rights.

To sign up, go here.

Follow the effort on Twitter.