Regional Law Center - East

MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune

About RLC-E
Hurricane Claims
MCB Camp Lejeune Tax Center
SAUSA
Administrative Law
Civil Processing
Victims' Legal Counsel (VLC)
Legal Assistance Office

Regional Law Center Marine Corps Installations – East (RLC-E) was formed on 1 October 2024 in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 National Defense Authorization Acts, and Headquarters Marines Corps (HQMC) Judge Advocate Division (JAD) directed reorganization and realignment of Marine Corps Judge Advocate and Legal Services capability and support. All litigation enterprise personnel, functions, and authorities have been reorganized and realigned in a direct hierarchy under HQMC JAD. Additionally, all legal service support requirements have been reorganized and realigned as regional assets under the Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations – East (MCI-E).

RLC-E includes the Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune Law Center, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Law Center, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island Law Center. Resident within each law center are the RLC-E litigation enterprise capabilities and functions: HQMC Office of Special Trial Counsel, Office of Defense Services Organization, Office of Trial Services Organization, and Office of Victims Legal Organization.

The RLC-E legal service support functions include a Regional Review Office, a Civil Processing Office, Special Assistant United States Attorney’s (SAUSA) Office and Base Magistrate. The Regional Review and Court Reporting Office centralizes and standardizes the post-trial records review process and court reporting functions. The Civil Law Processing Office provides a center of excellence and reach-back capability for the Staff Judge Advocate offices for ethics, claims, and service of criminal and civil process on service members stationed aboard MCI-East installations. The SAUSA is responsible for facilitating the prosecution of civilians who commit criminal offense aboard MCI-E installations. The Base Magistrate adjudicates violations of base traffic orders aboard MCI-E installations.

The Director, RLC-E oversees legal support services at all RLC-E law centers, while Local Law Center Directors of MCB Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point and MCRD Parris Island directly supervise their respective legal service support sections. The Law Centers at each installation will provide services to all service members aboard their respective installations.

Phone:	(910) 451-1903	Please be aware that we often experience high call volume with very limited staff. Our office cannot give legal advice over the phone. To receive legal services, you must come to our office, and we will verify your eligibility.
E-Mail:	rlc_east_lao.fct@usmc.mil	This email is for general questions only. Do not send personally identifiable information to this email, it is not protected by attorney client privilege. Communication with this email does not establish an attorney client relationship. There will be no legal advice provided to any potential clients through this email, all potential clients must be physically present in our office to establish an attorney / client relationship.
Address:	66 Molly Pitcher Rd	The Legal Assistance Office is located in Building 66, on the corner of Holcomb Blvd. and Molly Pitcher Rd., just past the Hadnot Point Shopping Center.

Services & Hours of Operation

General Office Hours:	Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Immigration & Naturalization (Active Duty Service Members Only):	Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.	NOTE: this is a very high demand service. Clients are seen on a first come, first serve basis. Limited spots available. Please expect delays.
Dependent Family Members of Active Duty Service Members:	Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Alternatively, Ft. Bragg offers both Active Duty Immigration and Dependent Family Members Immigration. NOTE: this is a high demand service. Clients are seen on a first come, first serve basis. Limited spots available. Please expect delays.
New Client Walk-ins:	Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	NOTE: Hours may vary due to attorney availability Limited spots available. First come, first serve.
Separation/Divorce Brief:	Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m.
Family Law Paralegal Intakes:	Monday & Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Extremely high-demand service. Limited spots available. First come, first serve.
Notary Services:	Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays: 7:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Wills/Power of Attorney Brief:	Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:00 a.m. at Building 66 Tuesday: 1:00 p.m. at the Base Theater	For scheduling unit briefs, please call (910) 451-1903. All Will Execution appointments are scheduled for Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 0800. If you miss your scheduled Will Execution appointment, you will need to contact our office at (910) 451-1903 to reschedule or stop by our office during normal business hours.

Please note that our office will be closed in accordance with the Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) Leave/Liberty schedule, Training and Federal Holidays.

Preparing for a Hurricane

There is always a possibility that you may have to file a claim after a hurricane passes. Keep in mind that when it comes to claims, it is your responsibility to substantiate ownership and value of an item claimed. To ensure a quick turn-around on your claim, it is best you prepare for that now. Take the time to document your possessions/property prior to any storm:

Gather your important papers to store in a waterproof container; include receipts for high value items you own.
If you recently made a household goods move to the area and still have a copy of your HHG descriptive inventory, include that document. If you don’t have a recent and accurate inventory, make one.
Protect what you can. Bag up expensive/valuable items like jewelry and photographs and store them in a safe place.
Photograph your home prior to the storm. It’s easy and will not take long to walk through the home with your cell phone and take photographs:
- Take a photograph of each room and garage;
- Then take photographs of individual items in each room.
- Open closet doors and take a photo of the contents of that closet.
- For high value items, take a photo of the item and the brand name tag. This will help you substantiate ownership and value of high value items when/if you don’t have a receipt.
Finally, don’t forget to photograph your vehicle. If you have accessories that are not normally included with a vehicle, document those accessories in the photographs.

Filing a Claim with the Navy for Personal Property Damaged by a Hurricane

If you suffered loss or damage to your personal property due to a hurricane, you can file a claim if:

The property was located on base or in your Government-assigned quarters when it was damaged. Government-assigned quarters are defined as housing provided in kind by the Government. PPV housing located within the perimeter of the installation is considered provided in kind by the Government if the occupant is active duty or a reservist on active duty.
You are a proper claimant under the Personnel Claims Act. A proper claimant is an active duty member, a reservist on active duty, or a civilian employee of the Department of the Navy or USMC.

Claims packets for filing your claim with the Navy can be found online at https://www.mcieast.marines.mil/Staff-Offices/Legal-Services-Support-Section-East/Claims/. You will find claim forms under "Packets & Forms." You may also obtain packages from the Office of the OJAG Personnel Claims Unit Norfolk (PCUN). PCUN information:

The toll-free telephone number is (888) 897-8217, commercial (757) 440-6315
The fax number is (757) 440-3337
The email address is norfolkclaims@navy.mil

If you have private insurance covering your loss, you must make a demand against your private insurance carrier and include a copy of the insurance settlement and submit it with your claim package. If the damages total an amount less than your deductible, you simply need to attach a current copy of your declaration page showing the deductible. You can request an emergency advance in the amount of your insurance policy deductible. You must provide a copy of the claim you filed with your private insurance carrier.

Questions?

Claims Help-Line: (888) 897-8217

The help line is manned 0700-1800 EST.

Location: Trailer 64b Molly Pitcher Rd (next to Papa John’s)

Services: Free income tax preparation and filing for 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2021 state and federal tax returns.

For questions or to make an appointment please call 910-451-3296.

Free Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing

NOTE: Doors may be locked 45min early depending on business needs and number of clients waiting. The Tax Center observes All Federal Holidays and will be closed in accordance.

Monday:	9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Walk-ins and drop-offs
Tuesday:	9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Walk-ins and drop-offs
Wednesday:	9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Appointments and drop-offs only
Thursday:	9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Walk-ins and drop-offs
Friday:	9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Walk-ins and drop-offs
Saturday:	9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	E-5 and below walk-ins and drop-offs
Sunday:	Closed

Intake sheet: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf

Appointments are reserved for taxpayers with rental income, business income, itemized deductions or tax returns that may require additional time due to unique circumstances of the taxpayer.

Required Documents

Required documents vary based on the taxpayer’s circumstances. Below is a list of items or documents commonly used in the preparation of tax returns. The taxpayer must bring all documents necessary to file their return, tax returns cannot be prepared without required supporting documents. Please bring copies; the tax center will not make copies of your documents and documents will NOT be returned.

Taxpayer’s social security cards (if married filing jointly both spouse’s social security cards) (required for all taxpayers)
Valid picture identification card (required for all taxpayers)
Social Security card/ITN numbers for all dependents claimed on tax return
W2 (wages or salaries from all employment sources for the tax year)
Interest from checking or saving account, bonds, CD, or brokerage account (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, etc)
State tax refund (if itemized)
Alimony income (for divorce before 2019)
Pension and/or IRA distribution (1099-R)
Unemployment income (1099-G)
Other income such as gambling winnings, awards, prizes and jury duty
Education expenses (1098-T)
Real estate tax/personal property tax
Charitable contributions
Child care provider’s tax ID or SSN for any child/dependent care expenses
All rental property information if claiming rental income
Advanced Child Tax Credit (IRS letter 6419) If filling Prior year tax return.
Self-employment income (Uber, Lyft, delivery service, etc)
Previous year’s tax return (recommended)
Estimated tax payments
Bank account information to direct deposit tax refund
Power of Attorney if filing a joint return and one spouse is unavailable to sign the tax return in person
Any information you think will help properly prepare your tax return

Drop-Offs

The tax center is offering a drop-off program for basic tax returns (federal and state returns), for single active-duty members only. Drop-off services are available anytime during normal hours of operation. Every Wednesday the Camp Lejeune tax center will prioritize pick-up/drop-off services. Any tax return dropped off on a Wednesday will be ready for pick-up the following Wednesday.

Basic tax return:

W-2 income (income only from wages, salaries, tips, or unemployment compensation)
Limited interest, dividend, stock and bond income (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-B) – income from these sources not to exceed $1,500
Standard deduction ($15’750 single)
Student loan/education deductions (1098-E)

NOT for:

Self-employed – for example rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft)
Rental income
Earnings from investments like stocks and bonds greater than $1,500
Itemizing

What You Can Expect When Visiting the Tax Center

During your visit you will fill out Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet (Form 13614-C rev. 10-2023) and sign it. If Married Filing Jointly both spouses must sign the 13614-C, only one spouse needs to be present at the drop-off. Copies of Form 13614-C are available for pick at the tax center or can be completed prior to your visit at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf
You must bring your picture State ID, Social Security card(s), and all tax information including (but not limited to) W-2s, 1099’s, and 1098’s.
You must make copies of all tax documents necessary to complete your tax return; documents will NOT be returned.
A tax preparer will go over all your information with you and answer any questions you may have. You will leave all your tax documents with the Tax Center. Once your tax return is prepared, you will receive a call notifying you to return to the Tax Center to complete your return

Your tax return will not be filed until you have reviewed and verified your return is accurate and authorize IRS e-file by signing form 8879.

If Married Filing Jointly, both taxpayers must be present to verify and sign or have a valid power of attorney from the absent spouse authorizing signing/e-filing of the tax return on the absent spouse’s behalf. Notaries and powers of attorney are available at the Camp Lejeune Legal Assistance Office, Bldg 66.

The SAUSA Section is staffed by one or more judge advocates nominated to and appointed by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, the judge advocates assigned to the section prosecute, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, misdemeanors and felonies committed by civilians aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the vicinity.

The SAUSA presents indictments to Grand Juries and files criminal information, as well as other documents necessary to carry out the federal prosecution function.

The Chief SAUSA serves as the office liaison to the U.S. Marshals Office and the Federal Probation Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Office: 910-451-5067

The Administrative Section of the Legal Administrative Branch provides law office management functions to RLC-E, including supply, budget/fiscal planning, and logistics and personnel management.

In the Administrative Law Section, the Legal Administrative officer provides advice regarding legal administration to legal officers of subordinate commands, and the branch provides a contact team to conduct courtesy and command inspections of subordinate units in the area of legal administration, to include review of the Unit Punishment Book, the Unit Diary; and pages 11, 12, and 13 of the Service Record Book.

The Legal Administrative Officer, Law Center Camp Lejeune, prepares a proposed SJA's review of those administrative discharges referred to the SJA for review.

Marine Corps Separations Manual (MCO 1900.16 CH 2 dtd 15 Feb 19)

The installation Civil Process Section, RLC-E, is the single point-of-contact for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and tenant commands in civil process matters. In this capacity, the Civil Process Section will function as the sole liaison between civil authorities and all commands aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, regarding the service of process.

The MCB Camp Lejeune Civil Process Officer can be reached at (910) 554-8224.

The Civil Process Section's mission is to arrange for the execution of arrest warrants, and the service of all subpoenas, writs of repossession, claims, and other civil processes as may be directed to military personnel, military dependents living aboard the installation, and DoD employees.

In the case of military personnel, this will be accomplished by notifying the designated representatives (Unit Legal Officer) of the Commanding Officer exercising special court-martial jurisdiction over the individual to whom the process is addressed. For DoW employees, the employee's immediate supervisor will be notified.

Service of civil process of all kinds, and arrest warrants and summons, will take place only at the Civil Process Section at Bldg 66, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, unless otherwise authorized by the Civil Process Officer.

How to serve a servicemember aboard the installation:

Contact the Civil Division at the Onslow County Sheriff's Office at (910) 455-3113.
Send them the documents for service along with their $30 service fee.
The Sheriff's Office will liaison with Ms. Holly Hale for service at the Base Legal office.

Self-help repossession is not authorized aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Writs of Execution or voluntary repossession shall be administered only through the Civil Process section.

This section also oversees the Onslow County District Attorney's worthless check program; wherein service members may avoid arrest and court fees by prompt response (and payment) to notices of defaulted checks from the District Attorney.

Location & Hours of Operation

Hours of Operation:
0800-1100 / 1300-1600, Monday-Friday

Location:
Building 50 Lucy Brewer Avenue

Points of Contact

Regional Victims' Legal Counsel:	910-451-5165
Victims' Legal Counsel Paralegal:	910-451-8519

For appointments, please call the VLC Paralegal.

Services

Legal advice and counseling for victims of crimes under the UCMJ		VLC provide victims an overview of the military justice system, including: investigation of crimes; roles and responsibilities of the convening authority, trial counsel, defense counsel, and investigators; purpose of the Article 32 hearing (also known as a Preliminary Hearing); preferral and referral of charges; trial procedures; and evidentiary matters. VLC assist victims to understand legal options including: obtaining restraining orders and military protective orders; making Restricted versus Unrestricted reports of sexual assault; and obtaining testimonial or transactional immunity regarding collateral misconduct before testifying against the accused in the case.
Privileged, confidential communication with a VLC attorney devoted to protecting your interests in the military justice process		Marine Corps VLC are judge advocates, who are highly qualified attorneys with extensive military justice backgrounds, have completed a certified victims’ advocacy course, and are required to be selected through a "sensitive screening process." VLC do not report to your commanding officer, law enforcement, or any other entity unless you make a specific request. The VLCO chain-of-command is functionally independent of convening authorities, staff judge advocates, LSSS OICs, trial counsel, and defense counsel. VLC are under the supervision of, and report to, the OIC, VLCO, who reports directly to the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
VLC can provide information and guidance to victims regarding any crime committed in violation of the UCMJ		The VLC will assist you in understanding the military justice system, which includes the investigative and disciplinary processes, and will promote and protect your rights and interests in the military justice system. This will include, with your permission, advocating on your behalf to various parties such as military criminal investigators (NCIS, CID, etc.); military commanders (including convening authorities); lawyers for military commanders (also known as staff judge advocates); military prosecutors (also known as trial counsel); the offender’s defense counsel; pretrial investigation officers; pretrial confinement initial review officers; and military judges. I can attend your interviews with investigators, trial counsel, and defense counsel.
VLC will refer victims to defense, legal assistance, and/or civilian resources when appropriate		VLCO services supplement, not replace, existing victim support services, including assistance currently provided by VWAP, SAPR Program, FAP, SARC, and Victim Advocates. Restricted reports remain restricted; all communications with VLC are confidential Conversations between VLC and victims are confidential and privileged communications. The relationship between a VLC and victim is that of an attorney-client relationship.
Assist with obtaining Military/Civilian Protective Order (MPO/CPO)
Assist with expedited transfer (unrestricted report)

Who Qualifies?

Members of the Armed Forces who are on active duty
Reservists serving on active duty
Members and former members entitled to retired or retainer pay
Military dependents of service members and retirees
All DOD employees who are a victim of sexual assault (only)

References

ARADMIN 583/13, Establishment of the Marine Corps Victims’ Legal Counsel Organization (VLCO), 31 Oct 2013
SECDEF Memo, Subj: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, 14 Aug 2013
10 USC §1044, Legal Assistance
10 USC §1565b, Victims of Sexual Assault: access to Legal Assistance and Services of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Sexual Assault Victim Advocates
SAPR Program
FAP
VWAP
DOJ Office for Victims of Crime

About Us

The Legal Assistance Office (LAO) is staffed with judge advocates, Federal civilian counsel, and support personnel.

LAO provides a wide range of legal assistance services concerning civil legal matters to eligible personnel (active duty military personnel, retirees, and their respective dependents) in accordance with the Manual of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy and supplemental implementing regulations of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The LAO Director maintains liaison with relevant North Carolina agencies, such as the North Carolina State Bar Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Attorney General.

LAO also provides notary public services and assistance concerning immigration and naturalization. Services available from the LAO are provided as resources and generally include assistance with the following: pre-deployment legal preparedness, estate planning, family law, consumer protection, debtor-creditor problems, and landlord-tenant problems.

Through various means, LAO provides information to the public with a view towards consumer education and prevention of victimization. LAO prepares cases alleging a pattern or practice of harmful business for review and appropriate action by the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board

The LAO OIC oversees the operation of the Tax Center, which provides tax return preparation and electronic filing services free of charge to eligible clients.

Important Announcements

New Contact E-Mail: RLC_EAST_LAO.FCT@USMC.MIL

This e-mail is for general questions only. Do not send personally identifiable information (PII) to this e-mail, as it is not protected by attorney-client privilege. Communication with this e-mail does not establish an attorney-client relationship. There will be no legal advice provided to any potential clients through this e-mail; all potential clients must be physically present in our office to establish an attorney/client relationship.

Effective immediately: We will only be offering state notary services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

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UPCOMING CLOSURES:

April 27 - May 1: No Active-Duty Immigration services.
May 25 - May 26: Closed in observance of Memorial Day
May 27 - June 1: No Family Member Immigration services
June 18 - June 19: Closed in observance of Juneteenth
July 3 and July 6: Closed in observance of Fourth of July
September 7 - September 8: Closed in observance of Labor Day
October 12 - October 13: Closed in observance of Indigenous People's Day
November 26 - November 27: Closed in observance of Thanksgiving
December 24 - December 25: Closed in observance of Christmas

Immigration

ACTIVE-DUTY IMMIGRATION

All service members seeking immigration assistance must always bring the following when visiting our office: military identification, green card, or US Passport (if have one).

For first time consultations, bring printed hard copies of any of the following documents that apply: current or past criminal matters, current or recent immigration cases, any immigration court documents, current or past military discipline issues.

Immigration Form N-426 (Request to Certify Military or Naval Service – Service member is to sign and date Part 2 the exact date it is being turned into chain of command for certification by O-6 or above. Commander has 30 days from date of submission to certify and return to service member. Form does not have to make it back to Immigration Paralegal with those 30 days.

FAMILY MEMBER IMMIGRATION

For base legal services, only spouses and children may be considered Family Members. We cannot assist you with any other type of family member. You will have to seek outside assistance for those type of cases.

For first time consultations, please bring printed hard copies of any of the following documents that apply: current or past criminal matters, current or recent immigration cases, any immigration court documents.

**Please note: this is a high-demand service; clients are seen on a first come, first serve basis. Please expect delays.**

WE CANNOT PERFORM THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

Certified copies or Certified True Copies of original documents. That may only be issued by the primary issuing entity of that document. If document is foreign, then individual needs to address it with their country’s embassy or consulate.
Apostilles. This is notary function that can be done by secretary of state of where the original document (or certified copy) was initially issued. Individual must submit one of the two mentioned, along with a cover letter stating what it is being used for and for what country, and a filing fee. Filing fees vary by state: Ex: NC charges about $10, and CA will charge $100.
Dual Citizenship. We cannot assist anyone wanting to renounce their foreign citizenship. Many countries allow dual citizenship, some do not. The US will not force you to renounce the foreign citizenship unless it is requirement for security clearance. For that process, individual must seek their embassy or consulate.

IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES, WE CANNOT ASSIST YOU:

If either you (service member) or your spouse currently employ an immigration attorney for any matter – we cannot assist you. You must bring written proof that the relationship has ended.
If individual has previously overstayed a visa (of any sort) more than once – we cannot assist you.
If individual has previously been deported, is currently in deportation proceedings, was ordered deported, but did not leave the US – we cannot assist you.

Intake & Referral Documents

Click to download the following documents in PDF format:

Service Member Immigration Intake 2025			You may type or legibly handprint this intake sheet prior to coming to our office. Handprint block letters and numbers. Enter date the normal way – Month, Day, Year. DO NOT use military style dates. Spell everything out. NO INITIALS. Physical address: if you live in the barracks , enter that address (example: Building number, street, room number, Camp, and zip code). Mailing Address: can be any good secure address.
Family Intake
Immigration Referral Sheet			This referral sheet is for all those whom our office is not able to assist. For our office: a family member can only be a spouse, child (biological, adopted or step) All other types of family members must seek assistance elsewhere.

Additional Links & ResourceS

** Note that the following documents, links, and general information below is for informational purposes only and does not represent legal advice from an attorney or the legal assistance office.