Base Legal

Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

The Minot Air Force Base Office of the Staff Judge Advocate strives to provide advice and expertise in the areas of civil law, contract law, labor law, environmental law, operations and international law, claims as well as military justice for courts-martial and non-judicial punishment actions. The Office also provides legal assistance to individual military members, retirees and family members on personal, non-criminal legal matters.

The legal office provides free legal services and advice to all active duty personnel and their dependents along with reservists and guardsmen on federal active duty and their dependents. In addition, retired personnel, their dependents and dependent survivors may also receive legal assistance based on availability of facilities and personnel.

Eligible members can request legal assistance for wills, powers of attorney, notary service, or advice on personal civil legal matters to include, but not limited to, adoption, EFMP, landlord-tenant issues, tax assistance and consumer law questions.

Wills and Powers of Attorney

A will is a written legal declaration of how personal property should be distributed after death. The base legal office can assist eligible personnel in preparing a will.

A power of attorney (POA) is written authorization for one to act as an agent on behalf of another. POAs are routinely granted to allow the agent to take care of a variety of transactions, such as selling a vehicle, shipping household goods, or buying a house. Powers of attorney can be written to give general (full) or limited (special) authority. A power of attorney generally is terminated when the principal dies or becomes incompetent, but the principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time.

Before coming to the legal office to see an attorney, visit the Air Force legal assistance website to complete a will and/or POA questionnaire and e-mail your will ticket number to 5bw.ja.civillaw@us.af.mil


Except for extreme circumstances, wills are by appointment only.

Visit the Air Force legal assistance website:
https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

CLAIMS

Household goods claims are not processed at the base level. Contact the Air Force Claims Service Center directly to make a household goods claim by clicking here or by calling 877-754-1212.

The Air Force legal assistance website contains dozens of handouts, worksheets, and links on specific topics of interest. This information is not intended to constitute legal advice, but is a useful resource for you to consult before talking to an attorney.

Visit the Air Force legal assistance website:

https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil

Victims' Counsel

The Victims Counsel (VC) is assigned to cases involving sexual assault. The role of the VC is to advocate for a victim-clients rights. They will provide support to victims of sexual assault through independent attorney-client privileged representation.

If you think you need special victim representation, contact the VC directly:

Captain Rina Hernandez

Special Victims Counsel
(701) 818-7377

Senior Airman Elena O'Conner-Rua

Special Victims Paralegal
(701) 818-7687

475 Summit Drive (Pride Building)  
Suite 222
701-723-1868

ADC

Area Defense Counsel

In order to protect your rights, the base legal office does not manage defense issues. The Area Defense Counsel (ADC) is a different office with a completely different chain of command.
If you think you need defense representation, contact the ADC directly:

Information Pending
Area Defense Counsel

Staff Sergeant Tayler Velazquez

Area Defense Paralegal

475 Summit Drive (Pride Building)  
Suite 306
701-723-3405                    

Office Hours

475 Summit Drive (Pride Building)
Suite 211
701-723-3026

Power of Attorney & Notary Services
Mon-Fri: 0900-1600 (Walk In)
Thurs: 0900-1500 (Walk In)

Legal Assistance and Wills
Tues-Thurs by appointment only

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