COMDTINST 5801.4E
d. Military Advanced Medical Directives (MAMD). 10 U.S.C. 1044c requires states to
recognize AMDs that are prepared by legal assistance attorney for eligible persons to the same
extent as an AMD "prepared and executed in accordance with the laws of the state concerned."
In order for a legal assistance client to take advantage of a MAMD, the directive must contain
the standard preamble contained in the DL Software Package.
e. Landlord-Tenant and Consumer Affairs. Advice may be given in these areas, including
review and preparation of lease agreements and correspondence to creditors and landlords.
f. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Clients may be counseled concerning the provisions of
the SCRA and USERRA. Related correspondence and documents may be prepared. With
approval from a command director, a legal assistance attorney is authorized to serve as a special
assistant to a U.S. Attorney in enforcing the provisions of the SCRA and the USERRA.
g. Real Property. Assistance in this area may take the form of specific advice and review and/or
preparation of documents, including leases, purchase and sale agreements and deeds for personal
residences.
h. Civil Suits. General advice may be given in civil suit matters. Cases requiring in-court
representation will normally be referred to private civilian counsel (except for those cases
suitable for the Extended Legal Assistance Program (ELAP)). Extensive advice on small claims
court procedures may be given, and assistance may be provided in preparing documents and
correspondence.
i. Taxes. General advice and assistance may be given in the area of federal, state and local taxes.
Tax forms may be made available for filing returns, and clients may be assisted in preparing
appropriate forms. Command Directors of Legal Assistance are encouraged to participate in the
Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and electronic filing ("E-
File") programs. Electronic tax filing services are authorized for civilian Coast Guard
employees in the same manner as for eligible military members.
j. Nonsupport and Indebtedness. Clients may be counseled concerning claims pending against
them. Advice and assistance may be provided to persons wishing to make claims of nonsupport.
k. Civil Rights Matters. Concerning complaints of discrimination in the civilian community, legal
assistance attorneys may provide advice regarding applicable federal, state and local laws, and
may work with the local Civil Rights Counselor/Facilitator to resolve the complaint. Advice in
this area should be considered high priority. Legal assistance services may not be provided for
complaints of discrimination internal to the Coast Guard.
l. Adoptions and Name Changes. Advice regarding adoption and change of name may be given,
together with assistance in preparing the necessary documentation.
m. Domestic Relations. Legal assistance may be provided in marriage, annulment, legal
separation, divorce, financial nonsupport, child custody and visitation, and paternity cases to the
extent qualified legal assistance resources are available. Representation of both parties in
domestic relations cases by attorneys from the same legal office is prohibited since such
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