Estate Planning for Veterans & Active Military: Wills, Trusts, and Survivor Benefits

 

Estate planning for veterans and active military members is essential for securing their legacy and providing for loved ones. With unique considerations, including deployment, potential for injury, and eligibility for specific benefits, military estate planning encompasses tools such as wills, trusts, survivor benefits, and health care directives. This guide explains vital components tailored to military service members, including the benefits of powers of attorney, guardianship provisions, life insurance, and survivor pensions. These elements collectively safeguard assets, ensure proper beneficiary designations, and allow for peace of mind for those who have dedicated their lives to service.

Why Estate Planning is Important for Service Members

Estate planning holds significant importance for service members, who often face unique challenges and risks due to the nature of their duties. With the possibility of deployment, combat exposure, and frequent relocations, it becomes essential for military personnel to have a structured plan that ensures their loved ones and assets are protected. A comprehensive estate plan not only addresses asset distribution but also allows service members to designate healthcare and financial decision-makers, guardians for dependents, and make use of specialized military benefits.

Key Reasons Why Estate Planning is Important for Service Members

1.     Asset Protection

Estate planning safeguards assets, ensuring they are distributed according to the service member’s wishes rather than default state laws, which may not align with their personal preferences.

2.     Guardianship for Dependents

Service members can appoint legal guardians for minor children, providing clear directives on who will care for their dependents if they are unable to do so due to deployment or other circumstances.

3.     Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney

An estate plan includes healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney, allowing designated individuals to make medical and financial decisions on behalf of the service member in case of incapacity.

4.     Maximizing Military Benefits

Military personnel are eligible for unique benefits, such as survivor pensions and life insurance, which can be integrated into an estate plan to maximize financial security for beneficiaries.

5.     Avoiding Probate

By creating trusts and other estate planning tools, service members can help their families avoid the time-consuming and costly probate process, allowing a quicker and smoother transfer of assets.

6.     Peace of Mind

A comprehensive estate plan provides service members with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are financially protected and their wishes will be followed if unforeseen events occur.

7.     Ensuring Beneficiary Designations are Up to Date

Regularly updating beneficiary designations on accounts, insurance policies, and retirement plans prevents disputes and ensures that the right individuals receive intended assets.

Wills for Military Service Members

A will is a foundational component of estate planning, allowing military service members to specify how their assets should be distributed after death. For service members, creating a will is particularly important due to the inherent risks associated with military duty and the possibility of sudden deployment. A well-prepared will provides clear instructions for the distribution of personal belongings, real estate, and financial assets, ensuring that the service member’s wishes are honored.

Key Aspects of Wills for Military Service Members

1.     Asset Distribution

A will allows service members to outline who will inherit their assets, preventing state laws from determining distribution. This control over asset allocation ensures that family members, friends, or even charitable organizations can receive specific assets as desired.

2.     Guardianship for Minor Children

Service members with children can designate a legal guardian within their will, ensuring their children are cared for by someone they trust if the need arises. This designation prevents court intervention and uncertainty regarding who will raise their dependents.

3.     Executor Appointment

A will enables military personnel to appoint an executor who will manage and distribute assets, handle debts, and ensure that the will’s instructions are followed. Choosing a trusted executor is essential for efficient administration and reduces the burden on family members.

4.     Avoiding Family Disputes

Clearly outlined instructions in a will help prevent family disputes over inheritance and asset distribution, providing clarity and minimizing the risk of conflicts among heirs.

5.     Military-Specific Considerations

Many legal assistance offices on military bases provide free will-drafting services tailored to the needs of service members. This support ensures that wills align with military protocols and address any unique aspects related to their service.

6.     Flexibility and Updates

Military personnel should review and update their wills regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, the birth of a child, or a change in duty station. This flexibility ensures that the will remains current and reflects their latest wishes.

Trusts for Military Service Members

Trusts are valuable tools in estate planning that offer military service members additional control over how their assets are managed and distributed, both during life and after death. Trusts allow service members to set aside specific assets for designated beneficiaries, providing protections that a will alone may not cover. For those in the military, trusts can be particularly beneficial, given the unique risks associated with service, such as deployment and potential incapacitation.

Key Benefits of Trusts for Military Service Members

1.     Asset Management and Control

Trusts enable service members to specify detailed instructions for asset management and distribution, ensuring that assets are handled according to their wishes, even if they are unable to manage them personally.

2.     Avoiding Probate

Unlike wills, trusts allow assets to bypass the probate process, enabling a faster and more private transfer of assets to beneficiaries. This is especially helpful for military families who may want to avoid the delays and costs associated with probate court.

3.     Protection in Case of Incapacitation

A trust can provide a seamless transition in asset management if a service member becomes incapacitated due to injury or illness. The designated trustee can manage assets on the service member’s behalf, ensuring their finances are handled according to their wishes.

4.     Financial Security for Dependents

Service members can set up trusts to provide long-term financial support for dependents, such as minor children or a surviving spouse. Trust terms can outline how and when funds are distributed, helping to secure their loved ones’ financial future.

5.     Military Benefits Integration

Trusts can incorporate military-specific benefits, such as survivor pensions and life insurance payouts, ensuring these benefits are protected and managed according to the service member’s plan.

6.     Flexible and Customizable Options

Trusts can be customized to fit specific needs, whether that means creating a revocable trust for easier adjustments or an irrevocable trust for added asset protection. This flexibility allows service members to adapt their estate plan to life changes and evolving needs.

7.     Tax Efficiency

Some types of trusts offer tax benefits, which can reduce the estate tax burden on heirs. This advantage is especially valuable for service members with substantial assets who want to maximize the inheritance for their beneficiaries.

Trusts provide military service members with enhanced protection and control over their assets, offering peace of mind and financial security for their families, regardless of the uncertainties they may face during their service.

Establish Powers of Attorney

Establishing powers of attorney (POA) is essential for military service members, granting trusted individuals the authority to make legal, financial, and medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Given the demands of military life, such as deployments or the risk of injury, powers of attorney offer a practical solution to ensure that important decisions are made according to the service member’s wishes.

Types and Importance of Powers of Attorney for Military Service Members

1.     Financial Power of Attorney

A financial POA allows a designated person to handle financial matters, such as paying bills, managing bank accounts, filing taxes, and overseeing investments. This authority is critical for deployed service members who may be unable to manage day-to-day financial tasks themselves.

2.     Medical Power of Attorney

A medical POA, also known as a healthcare proxy, gives a trusted individual the authority to make healthcare decisions if the service member is incapacitated. This designation ensures that someone familiar with their wishes will advocate for them during medical treatment or emergencies.

3.     Limited vs. General Power of Attorney

A limited POA grants authority over specific tasks, like selling a property or handling a bank account, whereas a general POA offers broad decision-making power over all legal and financial matters. Service members may choose a limited POA to address a particular need, like managing their finances during deployment.

4.     Durable Power of Attorney

A durable POA remains in effect if the service member becomes incapacitated, providing a seamless transition of authority without needing additional legal steps. This option is especially useful for military personnel, as it ensures continuous management of their affairs in cases of serious injury or illness.

5.     Revoking or Updating Power of Attorney

Service members can revoke or update their POA designations at any time, allowing flexibility if circumstances change, such as a new duty station or a change in trusted individuals. This flexibility ensures that the right person always holds the necessary authority.

6.     Military-Specific Considerations

Many military legal assistance offices offer guidance on establishing POAs and may even provide free legal support for setting up these documents. This support can ensure that POAs are compliant with military standards and aligned with the unique needs of service members.

Health Care Directives

Health care directives are essential documents that allow military service members to outline their medical care preferences in advance, ensuring that their wishes are followed if they become unable to make decisions themselves. These directives provide clarity and guidance to both healthcare providers and loved ones, particularly during situations where immediate medical decisions are required. Given the risks inherent in military service, health care directives are a critical component of a well-rounded estate plan.

Key Components of Health Care Directives for Military Service Members include:

1.     Living Will

A living will specifies the service member’s preferences for medical treatments, such as life support or resuscitation, in situations where they are unable to communicate their wishes. This document helps prevent confusion among family members and healthcare providers, ensuring that the service member’s choices are respected.

2.     Healthcare Proxy or Medical Power of Attorney

A healthcare proxy, or medical power of attorney, designates a trusted individual to make medical decisions on behalf of the service member if they are incapacitated. This person should be familiar with the service member’s values and medical preferences to make decisions aligned with their wishes.

3.     Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

A DNR order is a specific directive instructing healthcare providers not to perform CPR if the service member’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. This order is typically included in health care directives when a service member wishes to avoid life-sustaining measures under certain circumstances.

4.     Organ and Tissue Donation Preferences

Health care directives can include instructions about organ and tissue donation, specifying whether the service member wants to donate and, if so, any particular organs or tissues. This choice reflects their values and can provide comfort to family members during difficult times.

5.     Instructions for Pain Management and Comfort Care

Many health care directives include specific preferences regarding pain management and comfort care, such as whether the service member wishes to receive certain medications to ease pain without pursuing life-prolonging treatments.

6.     Regular Review and Updates

Service members should regularly review and update their health care directives, especially after life changes like marriage, the birth of a child, or new medical diagnoses. This practice ensures that the directives remain current and reflect their latest preferences.

Health care directives provide military service members with control over their medical care, giving them peace of mind that their healthcare preferences will be respected and reducing the decision-making burden on loved ones during emergencies.

Beneficiary Designations

Beneficiary designations are a crucial part of estate planning, allowing military service members to specify who will receive benefits from assets such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and other payable-on-death accounts. By clearly designating beneficiaries, service members ensure that their financial assets are transferred directly to chosen individuals without the need for probate. Given the distinct benefits available to military personnel, keeping beneficiary designations up-to-date is essential to securing financial protection for loved ones.

Important Aspects of Beneficiary Designations for Military Service Members

1.     Direct Transfer of Assets

Beneficiary designations allow assets to bypass probate, providing a quicker, direct transfer to designated individuals. This is particularly beneficial for military families who may need access to funds immediately following the death of a service member.

2.     Life Insurance Policies

Military service members often have life insurance policies, such as those through the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Designating beneficiaries ensures that these funds are distributed as intended, offering financial support to loved ones in times of need.

3.     Retirement Accounts

For service members with Thrift Savings Plans (TSP) or other retirement accounts, beneficiary designations ensure these assets are directed to the intended recipients. This step prevents potential disputes and ensures that beneficiaries receive designated retirement benefits without delays.

4.     Regular Updates for Accuracy

Service members should regularly review and update their beneficiary designations, particularly after major life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the passing of a previously designated beneficiary. Updating designations guarantees that assets go to current, relevant beneficiaries.

5.     Contingent Beneficiaries

Adding contingent beneficiaries provides an extra layer of security in case the primary beneficiary predeceases the service member. This precaution ensures that assets are transferred to the next chosen person, reducing uncertainties.

6.     Avoiding Conflicts with Wills

Beneficiary designations take precedence over instructions in a will, meaning the assets will be distributed based on the most recent designations rather than any conflicting instructions in a will. Keeping designations current minimizes potential conflicts and ensures clarity.

7.     Beneficiary Options Beyond Family Members

Service members may choose non-family members, charitable organizations, or trusts as beneficiaries, providing flexibility in asset distribution. This option allows service members to support causes or individuals that align with their values and long-term goals.

Beneficiary designations provide an efficient way for military service members to protect their financial legacy and ensure their loved ones are provided for, avoiding complications and delays that can arise in the absence of clear instructions.

Life Insurance and Survivor Benefits

Life insurance and survivor benefits are vital components of estate planning for military service members, offering financial security to their loved ones in the event of their passing. With unique insurance options and survivor benefits available specifically for military personnel, service members can ensure that their families have support during challenging times. These benefits serve as a key financial foundation, addressing immediate needs and providing long-term support.

Key Aspects of Life Insurance and Survivor Benefits for Military Service Members

1.     Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

SGLI is a low-cost life insurance policy provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for active-duty service members. SGLI offers coverage up to $500,000, ensuring that families have financial support if the service member dies. Beneficiaries receive the death benefit directly, which can help cover funeral expenses, debts, and living costs.

2.     Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

VGLI allows service members to convert their SGLI coverage to a renewable term life insurance policy after they leave the military. This option enables continued coverage, helping veterans maintain life insurance protection for their families.

3.     Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

The SBP is a government-provided benefit that ensures a continuous income for eligible survivors of deceased military retirees. This plan provides a monthly payment to a spouse, children, or other dependents, helping to maintain their financial stability after the loss of a service member.

4.     Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a VA benefit offered to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or due to a service-related injury or illness. DIC provides a tax-free monthly benefit that can significantly aid families with ongoing expenses.

5.     Military Burial Benefits

Military families are eligible for burial benefits, including burial in a national cemetery, a burial flag, and a government-provided headstone or marker. These benefits ease the financial burden of funeral costs and honor the service member’s military contributions.

6.     Educational Assistance for Dependents

Surviving dependents may be eligible for educational assistance through the VA’s Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This benefit provides funding for schooling or job training, supporting children or spouses in building a secure future.

7.     Regular Beneficiary Review

Reviewing and updating beneficiary information on life insurance and survivor benefits is essential, especially after major life events. Keeping this information current ensures that benefits go to the intended recipients, avoiding potential disputes.

Life insurance and survivor benefits provide a comprehensive support system for military families, offering both immediate financial relief and long-term security. These benefits honor the commitment of service members, ensuring their families have the financial means to move forward.

Protection in Case of Injury or Incapacitation

Protection in case of injury or incapacitation is a critical aspect of estate planning for military service members, who may face unique health risks due to the demands of their service. Planning for potential incapacity ensures that a trusted individual can make important medical and financial decisions on behalf of the service member if they are unable to do so. This preparation provides both security for the service member and peace of mind for their loved ones.

Key Components of Protection for Military Service Members in Case of Injury or Incapacitation

1.     Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA)

A durable power of attorney grants authority to a designated person to manage financial matters if the service member becomes incapacitated. The DPOA remains in effect even after the service member is unable to make decisions, allowing the designated individual to handle bills, banking, investments, and other financial responsibilities seamlessly.

2.     Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy)

A medical power of attorney allows a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on the service member’s behalf if they are incapacitated. This ensures that medical choices align with the service member’s values and preferences, even if they cannot communicate these wishes themselves.

3.     Living Will

A living will specifies the service member’s preferences for medical treatment, particularly in situations where life-sustaining measures, like resuscitation or life support, may be involved. This document helps avoid uncertainty by providing clear directives to healthcare providers.

4.     Service Members’ Group Disability Insurance (SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection, or TSGLI)

TSGLI is a benefit that provides financial support to service members who suffer traumatic injuries while in service. This coverage helps cover costs associated with rehabilitation, medical bills, and other expenses incurred due to injury, easing the financial burden during recovery.

5.     VA Disability Benefits

Service members who sustain service-related injuries may qualify for disability benefits through the VA. These benefits provide monthly financial support based on the severity of the disability, helping service members manage medical costs and loss of income due to injury.

6.     Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of extended care if a service member experiences a disabling condition that requires ongoing assistance. This insurance option protects personal assets and ensures that care needs are met without depleting family resources.

7.     Regular Updates to Documents

Service members should review and update their power of attorney and healthcare documents regularly, especially following major life events or health changes. Keeping these documents current ensures that the right individuals hold decision-making authority and that their preferences remain clear.

Having protections in place for injury or incapacitation empowers military service members to maintain control over their financial and healthcare matters, safeguarding both their interests and the well-being of their families during challenging times.

Avoid Probate Court

Avoiding probate court is an essential goal for military service members who wish to streamline the transfer of assets to their beneficiaries and reduce potential costs and delays. Probate can be a time-consuming and expensive process, often subjecting families to court oversight and public disclosure of the deceased’s estate. By implementing specific estate planning tools, service members can ensure that their assets are passed directly to their heirs without the need for probate.

Ways for Military Service Members to Avoid Probate Court

1.     Establishing Trusts

Trusts are one of the most effective tools for avoiding probate. Assets placed in a trust are not subject to probate, as the trust’s terms govern how they are distributed. Revocable living trusts are particularly popular, allowing service members to retain control during their lifetime and transfer assets smoothly upon death.

2.     Beneficiary Designations

Naming beneficiaries on accounts such as life insurance policies, retirement plans, and payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts ensures that these assets bypass probate. The designated beneficiaries receive the funds directly upon the service member’s death.

3.     Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship

Holding property in joint ownership with right of survivorship allows the co-owner to inherit the asset automatically upon the service member’s death. This arrangement avoids the need for probate and ensures a seamless transfer of property.

4.     Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Deeds

Service members can use TOD deeds for real estate, allowing property to transfer directly to named beneficiaries without going through probate. This option is ideal for protecting family homes and other valuable real estate assets.

5.     Small Estate Exemptions

Many states offer simplified probate procedures or exemptions for small estates below a certain value threshold. Military service members with modest estates may benefit from these provisions, which minimize court involvement.

6.     Streamlined Access to Military Benefits

Military-specific benefits, such as life insurance payouts through the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), are distributed directly to designated beneficiaries and do not require probate. These benefits provide immediate financial relief to surviving family members.

7.     Minimizing Contested Estates

Clear and updated estate planning documents reduce the likelihood of disputes that could force parts of the estate into probate. Service members should regularly review and revise their wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to avoid conflicts.

Avoiding probate court saves time, money, and stress for the families of military service members. By leveraging these tools, service members can ensure a smoother transition of assets and greater financial security for their loved ones.

Digital Estate Planning

Digital estate planning is an essential component of modern estate planning, enabling military service members to manage and secure their digital assets. With the increasing reliance on online accounts and digital resources, it is critical to have a plan for how these assets will be accessed, managed, or distributed after death or incapacitation. Digital estate planning helps ensure that online information is handled appropriately and prevents complications for loved ones.

Key Elements of Digital Estate Planning for Military Service Members are:

1.     Identifying Digital Assets

Digital assets include online banking accounts, social media profiles, email accounts, cloud storage, cryptocurrency wallets, and subscription services. Military service members should compile a list of all their digital assets, including login credentials and access information.

2.     Appointing a Digital Executor

A digital executor is someone designated to manage a service member’s digital assets after their death. While not legally recognized in all states, appointing a digital executor provides clear guidance on who should handle online accounts and assets.

3.     Creating a Digital Inventory

A comprehensive inventory of digital assets should include:

            Account names and associated websites.

            Usernames and passwords.

            Security questions and backup codes.

This inventory should be stored securely, such as in a password manager or a physical safe, and shared only with trusted individuals.

4.     Granting Access through Estate Planning Documents

Service members can include instructions in their wills or trusts to ensure the executor or digital executor has the authority to access and manage digital assets. Some states have laws that require explicit permission to access digital accounts.

5.     Utilizing Online Tools for Legacy Planning

Many platforms, such as Google and Facebook, offer tools for managing accounts after death. These features allow service members to designate legacy contacts who can access or memorialize accounts as per their wishes.

6.     Ensuring Privacy and Security

Digital estate planning safeguards personal and financial information from unauthorized access. Service members should use encrypted storage and keep digital inventory records up to date to enhance security.

7.     Updating Digital Estate Plans Regularly

Military service members should review and update their digital estate plans periodically, especially after adding new accounts or assets, or if major life changes occur.

8.     Avoiding Complications for Survivors

Without a clear digital estate plan, family members may face difficulties accessing important accounts or might unintentionally violate terms of service agreements. A well-structured plan prevents these issues and eases the process for survivors.

Digital estate planning empowers military service members to maintain control over their online presence and ensures that digital assets are managed efficiently and securely, providing peace of mind for both the service member and their loved ones.

Maintaining Your Estate Plan

Maintaining an estate plan ensures it stays aligned with a service member’s evolving circumstances and legal requirements. Regular reviews, especially after life events like marriage, deployment, or changes in military status, keep the plan relevant. Updates to beneficiary designations, wills, and trusts help prevent disputes and ensure assets are distributed as intended. Safeguarding documents securely and notifying key individuals, such as executors or trustees, ensures seamless execution. Periodic revisions allow military service members to address new assets, adapt to legal changes, and provide continuous protection for their loved ones.

Survivor Pension Benefits

Survivor pension benefits provide ongoing financial support to the dependents of deceased military service members, ensuring stability for their families. These benefits are designed to assist surviving spouses, children, or other eligible dependents with income replacement, particularly in the absence of the service member’s earnings.

Key Aspects of Survivor Pension Benefits for Military Families include:

1.     Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

The Survivor Benefit Plan is a government-provided program that offers a portion of the service member’s retirement pay to eligible survivors. Spouses, children, or other dependents may receive monthly payments, ensuring long-term financial support.

2.     Eligibility Requirements

Surviving spouses are typically eligible for SBP if they were married to the service member at the time of death. Children may also qualify if they are unmarried and under a certain age or enrolled full-time in school.

3.     Flexible Coverage Options

Service members can select coverage levels based on their needs and budget, choosing to cover a spouse, children, or both. This flexibility ensures that survivor benefits align with the family’s specific financial needs.

4.     Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is an additional benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible survivors if the service member’s death was service-related. This tax-free monthly payment complements SBP and offers additional financial support.

5.     Integration with Other Benefits

Survivor pension benefits often work alongside other military benefits, such as life insurance or educational assistance, to provide comprehensive support for surviving family members.

6.     Tax Implications

SBP payments are subject to federal income tax, while DIC payments are tax-free. Understanding the tax implications helps families plan their financial future more effectively.

Estate Tax Savings

Estate tax savings help military service members protect their assets and maximize the inheritance passed to their loved ones. By leveraging tools like trusts, gifting strategies, and military-specific benefits, service members can reduce or eliminate estate taxes. Certain states and federal exemptions, such as the Unified Tax Credit, allow significant portions of estates to transfer tax-free. These strategies ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended assets without unnecessary financial burdens.

Name Legal Guardians for Children

Naming legal guardians for children ensures they are cared for by trusted individuals if a service member becomes unable to do so. This designation, included in a will or trust, prevents court intervention and provides clear instructions for who should take custody. Regularly updating guardianship plans ensures the choice aligns with current family circumstances, offering peace of mind and protection for the children’s future.

Filling the Gaps of Military Service Member Estate Plans

Military estate plans often focus on basic tools like wills and life insurance but may overlook key areas such as trusts, healthcare directives, or digital assets. Filling these gaps ensures comprehensive protection, including managing incapacity, avoiding probate, and safeguarding online accounts. Addressing these overlooked aspects strengthens the estate plan and ensures seamless execution of the service member’s wishes.

Where to Find Legal Assistance for Estate Planning

Military service members have access to various resources for estate planning assistance:

1. Military Legal Assistance Offices: Each branch of the armed forces provides legal assistance offices that offer free services, including estate planning, will preparation, and advice on powers of attorney. These offices are typically located on military installations. For example, the Navy’s legal services can be found through the Region Legal Service Offices.
2. Military OneSource: This Department of Defense-funded program offers confidential legal consultations and resources on estate planning for active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. They provide guidance on wills, trusts, and other legal matters.
3. Veterans Affairs (VA) Legal Services: The VA provides information and resources for veterans seeking legal assistance, including estate planning. While the VA does not offer direct legal services, it can guide veterans to appropriate resources and pro bono legal clinics.
4. American Bar Association (ABA) Military Pro Bono Project: The ABA connects active-duty service members with pro bono attorneys for civil legal issues, including estate planning. This service is available to junior-enlisted personnel and their families.
5. State and Local Bar Associations: Many state and local bar associations have programs offering free or reduced-cost legal services to military personnel and veterans. These programs can assist with estate planning needs.
6. Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations such as the Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program provide resources and referrals for military members seeking legal assistance.

Additional Resources for Military Families

Military families have access to a variety of resources to support their estate planning and overall financial well-being:

1.     Military OneSource

Military OneSource offers free, confidential guidance on financial, legal, and estate planning matters. Resources include legal consultations, estate planning tools, and referrals to trusted professionals. (militaryonesource.mil)

2.     Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program

This program provides free legal services for eligible service members and their families, including advice on wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Assistance is available through legal offices on military installations. (legalassistance.law.af.mil)

3.     Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

The VA offers a range of benefits, including burial planning, disability benefits, and survivor pensions, which can complement estate planning. (va.gov)

4.     American Red Cross

The Red Cross provides emergency financial assistance and information on estate planning for military families during deployments or times of crisis. (redcross.org)

5.     National Military Family Association (NMFA)

NMFA advocates for military families and offers resources on financial literacy, legal planning, and accessing benefits. (militaryfamily.org)

6.     Financial Readiness Programs

Many installations have financial readiness programs that offer workshops and counseling on estate planning, budgeting, and retirement savings.

7.     Nonprofit Support Organizations

Groups such as the USO and Operation Homefront provide additional resources, including financial assistance and estate planning education for military families.

Utilizing these resources ensures that military families receive comprehensive support for their estate planning and financial needs.