Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in Oregon

See March 18, 2010, OLR blog post for updated links.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) affects every litigant, lawyer, and judge. Ignore it at your peril.

Two SCRA laws that apply to Oregonians, one federal and one Oregon:

1) SCRA (previously the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA): 50 USC Appendix Sections 501 to 596 (Public Law 108-189 as amended by Public Law 108-454 (2004))

2) “Linscott bill” 2009 House Bill 2303 (2009 Oregon Laws Chapter 83, (2009 Laws): Effective date May 8, 2009)

For more information:

1) Protecting the Protectors: The Crucial Details Every Lawyer Needs to Know to Safeguard the Rights of Those in Uniform, by Janine Robben, OSB Bulletin, July 2009.

2) “The One for All: What Every Practitioner Must Know about the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA).” March 6, 2009 CLE, sponsored by the OSB Military Assistance Panel, the PLF, and the Oregon State Bar. (Online to OSB member and print copy in some Oregon law libraries.)

3) See the service members information from the American Bar Association (ABA).

4) Pro se litigants also need to know about the SCRA and its requirements. Check with the court where you are filing your case for information and forms. Some of us in the county law libraris are working on an SCRA legal research guide for our non-attorney patrons and these will be posted online soon.

Note: Military Status Verification can take time if you can’t use the online service.