Luzerne County Bar Association Offers Free Legal Services to Heroes

The Luzerne County Bar Association, also known as the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association, is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Bar Association to host a Wills for Heroes event on December 5, 2023. Taking place at Wilkes University’s Karambelas Media and Communication Center, this initiative aims to provide essential legal services to first responders and military veterans at no cost.

Attorneys will offer a range of services, including wills, living wills, and powers of attorney concerning health care and financial matters. This program is specifically designed for active and retired first responders from Luzerne County and its neighboring areas, as well as Pennsylvania military veterans. To participate, individuals must provide proof of service, including a DD Form 214 for veterans.

Eligibility for the program is limited to residents of Pennsylvania, ensuring that local heroes receive the support they deserve. Importantly, the association has set a threshold: individuals with estates exceeding $1 million are ineligible for these services due to the complex nature of their legal needs. This threshold encompasses cash, personal property, stocks and bonds, real estate equity, savings, and the cash value of any whole or universal life insurance policies.

Event Details and Appointment Information

Time slots for the Wills for Heroes event will commence at 11:00 a.m. on December 5. Each appointment, lasting approximately one hour, will result in notarized legal documents for wills or powers of attorney. Couples attending together will automatically receive back-to-back appointments, ensuring convenience for spouses or partners. However, no double appointments will be available after the final time slot of the day.

To secure a spot, participants must schedule appointments in advance through the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s website at www.pabar.org/wfh/, using the password Luzerne.

The Luzerne County Bar Association emphasizes the importance of these services, recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders and veterans. This event not only provides vital legal support but also acknowledges their service to the community and the nation.

For further information about the Wills for Heroes program, interested individuals can visit the official Pennsylvania Bar Association website at https://www.pabar.org/site/For-Public/Wills-for-Heroes. This initiative stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to honoring and supporting its heroes through accessible legal assistance.