Every November 11, our nation takes time to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day is an opportunity to express gratitude for their service and acknowledge the families who have supported them along the way.

For military families, life can involve unique transitions. Deployments, permanent changes of station, relocations, growing families, and changes in responsibilities can all affect personal and legal planning needs.

 

While no one can predict every life event, having important legal documents in place can help families prepare for unexpected circumstances.

At The AVAIL Firm, we believe planning ahead is one way to protect the people and priorities that matter most.

1. Keep Your Estate Plan Current

An estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and wishes.

For military families, changes in duty assignments, residence, marital status, children, and financial circumstances may create a reason to review existing documents.

Depending on your needs, an estate plan may include:

• A last will and testament.

• A trust, when appropriate.

• A financial power of attorney.

• An advance directive for health care.

• Updated beneficiary designations.

It is important to remember that certain military benefits and accounts may have separate beneficiary rules. A will does not automatically override every beneficiary designation.

2. Understand the Importance of Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney can authorize someone you trust to handle specified matters on your behalf.

For example, a financial power of attorney may allow an appointed agent to manage certain financial responsibilities if you are unavailable or unable to handle them yourself.

This may be especially important when a service member is deployed or otherwise unable to manage everyday matters.

The document should be prepared carefully to reflect the authority you intend to grant. Military families should also confirm whether the relevant institution or agency has additional requirements.

3. Document Your Health Care Wishes

An advance directive for health care can help communicate your medical treatment preferences and identify someone to make health care decisions if you cannot make or communicate those decisions yourself.

If you are a Georgia resident, it is worth reviewing whether you have a valid Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care and whether it reflects your current wishes.

If you have moved or are stationed in another state, consider whether your documents will be recognized and whether an update or additional review is appropriate.

4. Review Your Family Law Documents

Military life can also affect family law matters.

Marriage, divorce, custody arrangements, and relocation can raise questions about existing court orders and parenting plans.

For parents with children, it is especially important to understand how a deployment or relocation may affect parenting arrangements.

Military-related family law matters can involve both state and federal laws. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may provide certain protections in qualifying civil proceedings, but it does not automatically resolve every family law issue.

Before making changes to a custody arrangement or relying on an informal agreement, consider speaking with an attorney about your circumstances.

5. Review Beneficiary Designations and Important Records

Military families may have several important accounts, benefits, and insurance policies to keep organized.

Consider reviewing:

• Life insurance beneficiaries.

• Retirement account beneficiaries.

• Relevant military benefit elections.

• Emergency contact information.

• Copies of important legal documents.

Make sure the appropriate people know where important records are stored and how to locate them when needed.

6. Make Planning a Family Conversation

Legal planning is not only about preparing documents. It is also about ensuring that your loved ones understand your wishes and know who to contact when questions arise.

A conversation about financial responsibilities, health care decisions, guardianship planning, and important records can help families feel more prepared.

 

Honoring Service by Protecting What Matters

This Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country and recognize the families who have supported them.

Planning ahead can help military families prepare for life's transitions and provide greater clarity about important decisions.

The AVAIL Firm assists Georgia families with estate planning and family law matters.

 

If you are ready to review your legal documents or discuss a family law concern, we are here to help you understand your options.

Call The AVAIL Firm at (678) 434-0857 to book your Peachy Case Review. 🍑

 

 

 

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Military-related legal matters may involve federal and state laws, and the appropriate legal options depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.