Tips for a Successful Military Estate Planning

Military service members and their families face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Frequent relocations, overseas deployments, and the inherent risks of service require a proactive approach to protecting assets, providing for loved ones, and ensuring legal affairs are in order. Whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, or retired, these tips will help you build a solid military estate plan.

1. Start Early—Don’t Wait for Deployment

One of the most common mistakes service members make is delaying estate planning until just before deployment. Life in the military is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen at any time. Start your estate plan as soon as possible so your loved ones are protected no matter what.

2. Draft a Comprehensive Will

A will outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will care for your minor children if something happens to you. Without one, state laws will decide for you—which may not align with your wishes. Include instructions for personal property, real estate, and guardianship arrangements to ensure there’s no confusion.

3. Utilize a Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney (POA) allows someone you trust to handle your legal and financial affairs if you’re incapacitated or deployed. This is especially critical for service members stationed overseas who need someone back home to manage bills, sell property, or sign documents on their behalf.

4. Prepare an Advance Medical Directive

Also known as a living will, this document outlines your healthcare preferences if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. It also allows you to appoint a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions in line with your values. For military families, this ensures your wishes are honored, even if you’re far from home.

Read more: What Are Advance Directives And Why Are They Important?

5. Keep Beneficiary Designations Updated

Your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and other accounts require beneficiary designations. Review and update them regularly—especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—to avoid conflicts between your will and your account records.

6. Consider the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits

The SCRA offers important legal and financial protections for service members, including interest rate caps and protection against certain legal actions. Understanding these benefits can help you make informed estate planning decisions and safeguard your family’s financial stability.

7. Organize and Store Documents Securely

Keep all estate planning documents—wills, POAs, directives, and insurance policies—in a safe but accessible location. Share the location with your executor or trusted family member. For deployed service members, consider digital copies stored in secure, encrypted formats.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Military estate planning involves unique tax rules, survivor benefits, and legal considerations. Work with an attorney who has experience serving military clients to ensure your plan complies with federal and state laws while addressing your family’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Military life is filled with uncertainties, but your estate plan doesn’t have to be one of them. By starting early, keeping documents updated, and seeking specialized guidance, you can protect your loved ones, safeguard your assets, and gain peace of mind—no matter where your service takes you.

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