None of us can truly know what the future holds. In some cases, there are relationships that do not work out the way that you had hoped, and they come to an end. When children are involved, it makes the end of a relationship even more difficult. In the event of a divorce, many parents are required to draw up a Parenting Plan and put together a Child Support Worksheet. However, for most of us, the idea of preparing these documents ourselves can be overwhelming - not to mention expensive when an attorney is involved.

In an effort to help active-duty servicemembers and veterans, the Washington State Bar Association and the Tacoma-Pierce Bar Association is hosting a free clinic called Call to Duty Saturday, Sept. 17 at noon at RallyPoint 6 (RP/6) in Lakewood.

The clinic aims to help veterans and active-duty military by linking them with attorneys who have family law backgrounds. After checking in, participants will be assigned to two attorneys who will draw up the required documents for Parenting Plans, visitation schedules, or child support.

"The attorneys at the clinic will teach clients how to present themselves and their case in court," said attorney Cheryl Van Ackeren, a military veteran who will volunteer at the clinic.

Van Ackeren said that attorneys at the clinic will give people the knowledge needed to take on their court cases themselves so they don't have to hire an attorney they can't afford.  

Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers are available to assist active-duty military draft some types of court documents, Van Ackeren said.  However, she stressed that it is important to understand that JAG officers are most likely not practicing family law attorneys and are not licensed in the state of Washington.

During the Call to Duty clinic, participants will get a one-hour meeting with a licensed attorney who will provide them with basic knowledge about how to create parenting plans and a discussion of how their case may be decided on in court.

"We know that the court system can be overwhelming," Van Ackeren said. "We want everyone who comes to this clinic to leave feeling empowered and confident that they know how to handle their case."

Many of the attorneys who will be on-hand are veterans, like Van Ackeren, who served in the Army for four years with the 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Calvary Division.

"All of the attorneys who will be here, veteran or not, want to give back to the military community and help in any way we can," she said.

Moreover, all of the attorneys at the event are working on a volunteer basis and will provide clients with assistance pro bono.

The free Call to Duty clinic will begin at noon with a workshop and free lunch. Afterward, clients will be paired up with a volunteer attorney for an hour-long session.

To be eligible to attend, participants must be either active-duty, National Guard, or a veteran with a DD Form 214. They must also meet a household income requirement of 0-400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 253.572.5134.