VA Resources for Veteran Fathers

Every Resource Available to You

As a veteran, you have access to programs and services that most civilians don't know exist. Here's every major resource relevant to your custody situation, with actual links and phone numbers.

Legal Services

VA Legal Services

va.gov/homeless/for-legal-services.asp Free legal clinics for veterans. Many VA medical centers host legal clinics where pro bono attorneys assist with family law, housing, benefits, and other issues.

Stateside Legal

statesidelegal.org Free legal help specifically for military members and veterans. Their website has resources organized by legal topic and state. They can connect you with attorneys who understand military-specific issues.

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

nvlsp.org For complex legal issues including benefits, discharge upgrades, and legal representation.

Military OneSource

1-800-342-9647 — militaryonesource.mil Available 24/7. Services include:

Free non-medical counseling (up to 12 sessions)
Legal referrals for family law
Financial counseling
Relocation assistance
Tax services

Crisis Support

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988, press 1 — or text 838255 veteranscrisisline.net 24/7 crisis support staffed by people who understand military experience. Chat available on the website.

Housing

SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)

va.gov/homeless/ssvf Rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention specifically for veteran families. This program can help with:

Security deposits and first month's rent
Utility deposits
Moving costs
Temporary financial assistance
Case management

HUD-VASH

va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp Combines HUD housing vouchers with VA case management. For veterans who need ongoing housing support and services. Apply through your local VA medical center.

Mental Health

VA Mental Health Services

Every VA medical center offers mental health services. You can:

Walk in to any VA emergency room for immediate help
Call your local VA and ask for mental health intake
Use telehealth for therapy appointments

Vet Centers

Community-based readjustment counseling. More intimate than the VA, often in non-medical settings. Find one: vetcenter.va.gov

How Military Service Affects Custody

Military service should not be held against you in custody decisions. However:

Deployments and relocations can be used to argue instability
PTSD or service-connected conditions may be raised by the other side
Your response: present your treatment compliance, stability when home, and your parenting involvement

The SCRA protects you from losing custody solely because of deployment. If military service is being used against you, make sure your attorney understands military-specific custody law.

Next Steps

Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for legal referrals
Check your local VA medical center for legal clinics
Visit Stateside Legal for state-specific legal help
If you need housing, contact SSVF through va.gov/homeless/ssvf
If you're in crisis, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line