Military families face unique estate planning challenges that others may never encounter. Whether a loved one is deployed overseas, relocating for temporary duty, or transitioning out of service, it’s essential to create or revisit your estate plan with those circumstances in mind. With frequent moves, special government benefits, and distinct tax rules, service members need estate plans tailored to their realities—not templates.
Key Considerations for Military Estate Plans
As you begin or revise your estate plan, consider the following questions:
- Do you own property in multiple states or countries?
- Are you married, or do you have minor or children with unique needs?
- Do you have retirement accounts, such as a Thrift Savings Plan, 401(k), or IRA?
- Are charitable gifts part of your long-term legacy?
- Do you anticipate frequent moves across state or international lines?
Each of these factors can significantly impact how your estate plan is structured and executed.
Essential Planning Tools for Service Members
Military families have access to specialized benefits that should be integrated into a personalized estate plan:
Survivor Benefits
Survivor Benefit Plans (SBPs) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provide monthly financial support to qualifying spouses and dependents. Properly integrating these with your estate plan ensures maximum protection for your family and avoids unintended conflicts between different sources of support.
Life Insurance
Active-duty members often have access to Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which offers up to $500,000 in low-cost coverage. You can find more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. While this is valuable, it may not be sufficient. Consider: the average cost of raising a child to age 18 is approximately $250,000. Will your family need to relocate? Will your spouse need time to find employment or childcare? Life insurance should be a source of stability—not stress.
Wills and Trusts
A will allows you to name guardians for minor children, distribute property, and appoint a personal representative. A revocable living trust can provide even more control, allowing you to manage your assets during incapacity and avoid probate. For many military families, especially those with real estate, young children, or complex financial needs, a trust-centered estate plan is the better fit.
Common Questions from Military Families
“I had a will prepared through JAG before deployment. Is that enough?”
While the Judge Advocate General’s office offers basic estate planning services, they may not address your unique goals or evolving family dynamics. Partnering with a civilian estate planning attorney ensures your documents are comprehensive, current, and coordinated with your financial and legal landscape.
“I’m single and don’t own major assets. Do I still need an estate plan?”
Absolutely. Estate planning is about more than just distributing wealth. Powers of attorney for healthcare and finances ensure someone you trust can act on your behalf during deployment, incapacity, or emergencies—even if you’re young, single, and debt-free.
Other Vital Documents to Include
- Financial and medical powers of attorney
- Living will and advance medical directives
- Delegations of parental authority or guardian nominations
- Funeral and burial instructions
- Organ donation authorization
- Family care plans
- Trust documents and updated beneficiary designations
Keep Your Plan Current
Estate plans should be reviewed and updated regularly. Major life events—such as a new deployment, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a cross-country move—can change how your plan should function. Make sure your documents reflect where you are now, not just where you were when you signed them.
Get the Guidance You Deserve
Military life comes with a unique set of responsibilities and benefits. A well-crafted estate plan protects your loved ones, provides clarity during uncertain times, and honors your service. Let us help you navigate the options and build a plan that reflects your values and goals.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your estate plan is ready—wherever your service takes you.
