From Service to Struggle

From Service to Struggle
 

For some Veterans, the hardest battles begin after they come home.

The return to civilian life may come with the expectation that the country they served will stand behind them. And in some ways it does, as there are programs, services, and resources available. But too often Veterans face obstacles that threaten their housing, employment, and financial stability, making it difficult to resume their lives at home.

Finding Stability in Civilian Life
 Transitioning to civilian society isn’t just about finding a job or a place to live; it’s about building a new foundation after service. Unfortunately, Veterans can encounter significant legal and systemic barriers that make that stability harder to achieve, including:

• Expungements – Old criminal records, often for minor or non-violent offenses, can block access to jobs, housing, and even professional licenses.
• Family Law Issues – Divorce, custody disputes, and child support challenges can quickly destabilize finances and housing arrangements.
• Landlord/Tenant Disputes – Unfair evictions, unsafe living conditions, or disputes over leases can put Veterans at risk of homelessness.
• Consumer Law Problems – Predatory lending, identity theft, and debt collection issues can drain resources and damage credit, creating a ripple effect on housing and employment opportunities.

These challenges don’t just create temporary setbacks, they can trap Veterans in cycles of instability that are hard to break without legal intervention.

Where Legal Aid Comes In
 That’s where free legal services such as those provided at Legal Aid and Defender Association (LADA) can make a life-changing difference.

LADA works to remove these barriers so Veterans can secure housing, maintain employment, and achieve long-term stability. Our attorneys assist with expungements to clear records, represent Veterans in eviction or housing disputes, advocate for fair treatment in family court, and defend against unfair debt collection practices.

We meet with Veterans several times a month at VA facilities to make help accessible. LADA empowers Veterans to move forward without the weight of old obstacles holding them back.

Not Just a Helping Hand—A Path to Justice
 This isn’t charity. It’s justice.

Veterans shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to keep a roof over their heads, provide for their families, or build a secure future. LADA helps level the playing field, ensuring that those who have served have the tools and support they need to thrive in civilian life.

Because honoring our Veterans means more than ceremonies and words, it means removing the barriers that stand in their way to thrive.