RLSO NDW provides military justice and command services legal advice to area commands. Military justice advice includes matters that are prosecutorial in nature (i.e., related to the prosecution of a member of your command at court-martial). Command services advice encompasses any other legal issue confronting a command or unit that does not involve the prosecution of a member of the command. In essence, RLSO NDW serves as the law firm representing the command.

RLSO NDW also provides legal assistance services to active duty Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard service members and their dependents, reservists on active duty for 30 days or more, and retirees, as resources permit.

RLSO NDW's area of responsibility includes the District of Columbia and neighboring municipalities located in Virginia and Maryland.

Command Services provides advice in the following subject areas: Administrative Law, Admiralty, Administrative Separations and Processing, Disciplinary Options, Freedom of Expression and Grievances, Homeland Security, Interactions with Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies, Subpoenas, JAGMAN Investigations, Military Justice, Operational Law, Personnel Matters, Standards of Conduct, and Government Ethics.

Legal assistance can include advice on topics such as consumer/financial affairs, disaster relief support and advice, family law, domestic violence, foreclosure advice and counseling, military naturalization and immigration, notary services, powers of attorney, landlord/tenant matters, Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, small claims court matters, victim assistance, and wills/estate planning. Pre-deployment services are given priority. Please contact your local office to see how it can best meet your pre-deployment needs.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information on our services.

Fill out the Client Intake Form and email it to rlsondwla@us.navy.mil to schedule a legal assistance appointment.

Legal Assistance Topics (Preventive Law Series)

Learn more about legal assistance topics that commonly affect military members such as consumer affairs, family law, wills, or powers of attorney. The information provided is for educational and general information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney before relying on the information contained within the website to make a decision or take any action.

Legal Assistance Preventive Law Series

Separation or Divorce (Dissolution/Annulment)

RLSO NDW Legal Assistance attorneys advise servicemembers, dependents, and retirees on separation and divorce in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The Advocate

The May 2025 issue of The Advocate has been released! Check it out for helpful information related to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Separation and Divorce, Estate Planning, and more!

The Advocate - May 2025