The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Legal Services
Programs that provide assistance for people who are having difficulty understanding and/or obtaining grants, payments, services or other benefits for which they are eligible. The programs may help people understand the eligibility criteria for benefits, the benefits provided by the program, the payment process and the rights of beneficiaries; provide consultation and advice; help them complete benefits application forms; negotiate on their behalf with benefits administration staff; and/or represent them in administrative processes or judicial litigation. Included are benefits counseling organizations that offer a range of advocacy services and legal aid programs that offer more formalized legal assistance.
Programs that provide assistance for people who believe that they have been treated unfairly or denied normal privileges based on their age, gender, race or ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
Document Authentication Services
Programs that authenticate any of a variety of documents, licenses, certifications and registrations (including birth, adoption, marriage or divorce certificates; property ownership documents; school or university admission papers and transcripts; and business, commercial import-export documents and contracts dealing with incorporation, partnerships, product standards and distribution) that citizens and foreign nationals need to use in a foreign country. Included are programs that authenticate documents for submission and acceptance by a foreign government under the terms of the Hague Convention #12 and those that authenticate documents for use in non-member nations. The Secretary of State of the state in which the document is executed may affix an apostille (certificate of authenticity) to a document which can be sent directly to a Hague member nation. Documents that will be used in non-member nations must be certified by the Secretary of State in the state in which the document is executed, authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and legalized by the embassy or consulate of that nation. All documents submitted for authentication must be acknowledged before a notary public and notary authentication by the clerk of the county in which the notary is commissioned is required.
Programs that offer a review of options and assistance to people who want to provide for the administration and/or protection of their assets during their lifetime, develop a plan for managing their finances in the event of a disabling illness, prepare binding instructions for the health care they wish to receive or avoid should they become terminally ill, make arrangements for the disposition of their assets with a minimum amount of taxation upon their death and provide for the administration of their estate should their spouse or other beneficiaries be incapable of managing their affairs. Estate planning provides an opportunity for individuals to make their wishes known and to name the person(s) who will be responsible for carrying out those directives. Tools available during the estate planning process include a Last Will and Testament, durable power of attorney for health care, durable financial power of attorney and a directive to physicians such as a living will, natural death directive or other state-recognized document. A revocable living trust may also be appropriate in some circumstances.
Programs that provide assistance for people who are involved in disputes or legal actions which affect their domestic relationships.
Programs that provide legal counseling and/or representation for low-income individuals who need assistance in routine legal matters, usually in the area of bankruptcy, housing, public benefits, family law, elder law or immigration/naturalization.
Programs that provide information about U.S. military regulations and practices as well as legal assistance for service members, veterans, potential recruits, and their families with the objective of supporting their ability to exercise their rights and make appropriate decisions regarding military service. Issues may include conscientious objection registration, military discharge options, AWOL (Absent WithOut Leave) and UA (Unauthorized Absence) policies and regulations, homosexual conduct regulations, military misconduct discharge regulations, service-connected injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual and other forms of harassment, abuses of command, broken enlistment promises and other legal matters concerning their relationship with the military. The program may also help young people who signed up for the military through delayed entry programs in their high schools and have changed their minds about entering the military.
Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services
Programs that provide legal assistance for immigrants, nonimmigrant visa applicants, asylum seekers and lawful permanent residents who are seeking naturalization. Services are generally provided by nonprofit immigration law offices and may involve information and consultation about benefits under immigration law including procedures for obtaining student, visitor and employment-based visas; family immigration; asylee status; lawful permanent residence status; or citizenship.