Free Legal Services for Cape May County Veterans

More than 60 Cape May County veterans and their spouses received free wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives Thursday at Ocean City American Legion Morvay-Miley-Cruice Post 524 through a new program called Wills for Warriors.

Cape May County Surrogate Judge E. Marie Hayes organized the event with the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Cape May County Bar Association, and the Citizen/Veterans Advisory Committee. More than 20 attorneys volunteered to prepare the documents.

Hayes modeled the program after a similar initiative for first responders she observed at an Atlantic City firefighters convention. She assembled a working group of the Surrogate's Office, bar association leaders, veterans, attorneys, and paralegals to adapt it for local veterans.

The county is home to roughly 5,400 veterans, according to Census data. Many lack basic estate planning documents that protect their families and ensure their wishes are carried out.

King Barnes, Shoreside Legal, and law firms from Ocean City, Sea Isle City, and the Wildwoods contributed attorneys and interns. Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian and the American Legion post assisted with the event.

The Surrogate's Office is considering future events to expand the program to veterans and first responders.