Question:
My nephew is on VA disability and at this time he is incarcerated . He needs to file bankruptcy but doesn't have the funds since they were taken away while incarcerated. Any VA organizations that help? He in in Indiana.
Jim's Reply:
When we veterans leave active duty and become veterans, we also become civilians. When we run into legal trouble that isn't directly associated with our VA benefits, we're on our own...our veteran status doesn't help us once we're in the criminal justice system. Your nephew will have to seek legal assistance through regular civilian channels and if he wishes to file bankruptcy, he needs to speak to a local attorney who deals with bankruptcy cases and hope for a solution there. Incarcerated veterans who don't have the funds to retain an attorney are usually represented by counsel provided by the municipality where he's at. He can ask about bankruptcy help when he talks with his lawyer.