Key Estate Planning Tools for Military Families

Military families live with a high degree of uncertainty, from frequent PCS moves to unplanned deployments. Amid the day-to-day demands of service life, estate planning can easily fall off the radar. But taking time to plan now can prevent unnecessary stress later and give families the confidence that their wishes will be honored, even in unexpected situations.

What is estate planning, and why is it critical for military families?

Estate planning refers to the legal documents that allow individuals to communicate how their assets should be handled in the event of death or incapacitation. For military families, it also means preparing for scenarios like deployment, combat-related injury, or frequent separations from loved ones. Regardless of age or relationship status, service members can benefit from having a basic plan in place. 

What is the role of military family service providers in estate planning?

Service providers play an important role in educating service members about estate planning and revisiting estate planning conversations before and after deployments. Whether your client is an enlisted parent, a dual-military couple, or nearing retirement from the service, estate planning ensures clarity and continuity for themselves and their family.

Wills and Beneficiary Designations

A will is a legal document that outlines how someone wants their property and assets distributed after their death. For service members, having a will is especially important because it helps ensure that their wishes guide how their assets are handled. Without a will, the process can become complicated, costly, and stressful for a service member’s loved ones. 

It’s also critical to remind service members to update beneficiary designations on benefits like SGLI, Thrift Savings Plan, and other survivor benefits, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Together, a valid will and accurate beneficiary designations provide peace of mind that the family will be cared for and the service member’s intentions honored.

Powers of Attorney (POAs)

Having both a general and healthcare power of attorney allows a trusted person to act on a service member’s behalf. This is especially important during deployments or training exercises when communication may be limited.

Advance Medical Directives

Advance Medical Directives (also known as a “living will”) specify the service member’s wishes for medical care if they are ever unable to communicate them. They reduce the burden on loved ones who might otherwise have to make difficult decisions under stress. Encourage service members to discuss their wishes ahead of time with those who may be called upon to speak on their behalf.

Guardianship Designations

For parents—especially dual-military couples or single parents—naming a temporary and long-term guardian is a crucial part of estate planning. Without legal documentation, child custody decisions may be delayed or determined by a court. Naming a secondary guardian is also advised in case their first choice is unable to care for the child(ren). 

Trusts and Letters of Instruction

More complex family situations, such as blended families, caring for a child with special needs, or owning property in multiple states, may benefit from the structure of a trust. Creating a trust can also avoid probate and keep matters private. 

A letter of instruction can also offer guidance for non-legal matters—such as funeral preferences or account access instructions. 

Location of Important Paperwork

Ensure that the executor and persons named as a Power of Attorney are aware of what documents the service member has in place and where they are located. Give them a copy of the papers that involve them so there are no surprises.  It is always a good idea to file the originals with an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Keep all documents accessible and safe by storing originals in a fireproof safe, and ensure a trusted family member or executor knows how to access them if needed.

Resources to Get Started

• Legal assistance offices on military installations offer no-cost estate planning services, including help drafting wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
• Refer to OneOp’s resources, including on-demand webinars, The How and Why of Estate Planning, and ABLE accounts for family members with disabilities. 
• Utilize the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s 10-part Estate Planning Series to help walk you through the process.

Resources:

Financial Planning Association. (2024, November). Serving those who serve: Understanding military benefits and financial planning. https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/learning/publications/journal/NOV24-serving-those-who-serve-understanding-military-benefits-and-financial-planning-OPEN

Luther, B. (2024, October). Estate planning is important, especially for military members. Federal News Network. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/pay-benefits/2024/10/estate-planning-is-important-especially-for-military-members/

Military OneSource. (n.d.). Estate planning: Getting your affairs in order. U.S. Department of Defense. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/estate-planning/

Military Family Association. (n.d.). Military families should consider estate planning this National Estate Planning Awareness Week. https://www.militaryfamily.org/military-families-should-consider-estate-planning-this-national-estate-planning-awareness-week/

University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2024). Estate planning need-to-knows for military families (Publication No. FCS3389/FY1531). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378098892_Estate_Planning_Need_to_Knows_for_Military_Families_FCS3389FY1531_12024

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (n.d.) Estate Planning. https://extension.mgcafe.uky.edu/estate-planning

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