By LEAH DEARBORN
PEABODY — A new city initiative is aimed at helping veterans and their families navigate the legal system without stress.
Stephen Patten, director of Veterans Services, announced last Friday that free legal service will be offered weekly by Salem-based Porcello Law Offices.
“They’re never going to take a dollar from a veteran,” said Patten. “We’re trying to take care of veterans. That’s what this is all about.”
On the second and fourth Friday mornings of every month, a representative from Porcello Law will be present at the Torigian Community Life Center on Central Street.
The effort was described by Patten as a means of giving veterans “the ground truth” on legal issues.
Immediate assistance on legal topics such as will and deed drafting will be immediately available, while more complex issues will be referred out to one of a list of trusted attorneys.
A brother-sister partnership, Porcello Law specializes in family law, and their representatives can offer consultation on custody, child support and alimony.
Attorney and former Peabody resident Jean Porcello-Giusto said the firm was originally founded by her father, who was a veteran.
Patten said he got the idea from a free legal service program he was involved with at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He said he plans to work hard to ensure that the program doesn’t get too backlogged by requests.
Crediting the program’s creation to the Torigian Center, as well as the support of Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. and Porcello Law, Patten said the program may grow over time to include more than just Peabody residents.
The legal aid services are open to veterans of all ages. Jamie Hayward, whose service in the U.S. Army took place in the 1990s, said he came to the center to learn more about what the legal program offered.
“There’s so many things that come up, even after 80,” said Charles DiMare, who served in the Navy during the Korean War. “It’s very complicated. It’s good to know you can call someone up and get advice.”