If you’ve received deployment orders, time is of the essence—not just to pack your gear, but to ensure your legal and personal affairs are in order. Protect your family before deployment: it’s essential to have certain must-haves before you leave. Whether you’re deploying in a few weeks or a few days, this checklist covers the most important estate planning and legal tasks military members should complete before leaving. Remember, protect your family before deployment 5 must-haves before you leave are vital.
1. Update or Create Your Family Care Plan
A Family Care Plan (FCP) is often mandatory if you:
- Are a single parent with children under 19
- Are in a dual-military marriage with dependent children
- Share custody with a co-parent who is not your current spouse
- Care for dependents unable to care for themselves
- Are primarily responsible for another family member’s care
This plan outlines daily care instructions, designates caregivers, and includes supporting legal documents such as powers of attorney and medical authorizations. FCPs must be submitted for command approval, ensuring your loved ones will be cared for legally and logistically during your absence. Remember to protect your family, following these steps before deployment is crucial.
2. Review or Establish an Estate Plan
Your estate plan ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones protected. Consider the following foundational tools as protect your family before deployment – these are 5 must-haves before you leave.
- Will or Trust: A last will and testament allows you to name guardians for minor children and direct how your assets will be distributed. A revocable living trust offers additional privacy, can avoid probate, and may better protect inheritances from creditors or lawsuits.
- Pour-Over Will: If you establish a trust, this type of will ensures that any remaining assets not already titled in your trust are added to it after your passing.
A trust-centered plan often provides more flexibility and security, particularly for families with children or special planning needs. Before deployment, ensuring these documents are correctly in place can protect your family.
3. Establish Powers of Attorney and Medical Directives
- Financial Power of Attorney: Authorizes a trusted person to manage your finances while you’re away.
- Medical Power of Attorney: Empowers someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated.
- Power of Attorney for Minor Children: Allows another adult to make key decisions for your children if both parents are unavailable.
- Nomination of Guardian: A separate legal document (where permitted) that names guardians if you’re alive but unable to care for your children.
These documents offer peace of mind and clarity during difficult or urgent situations, making them essential to protect your family before deployment 5 must-haves before you leave.
4. Confirm or Update Beneficiary Designations
Check the beneficiary designations on:
- Life insurance policies (e.g., Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance)
- Thrift Savings Plan accounts
- Survivor benefits
If you’ve married or had children since naming beneficiaries, update them accordingly. For minor children, consider naming a trust as the beneficiary to control how and when benefits are distributed. These updates help protect your family before deployment.
5. Evaluate Your Life Insurance Needs
While Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance offers up to $500,000 in coverage, this may not be enough. If your family would face financial hardship without you, additional coverage may be necessary. Consider your spouse’s work status, the cost of raising children, housing needs, and long-term care. Evaluating these needs ensures you protect your family before deployment.
We can connect you with trusted professionals who can help evaluate and supplement your coverage.
Call Us for Support Before You Deploy
You’ve committed to protecting our country—now it’s time to protect your loved ones. We’re here to help service members prepare legally, financially, and personally for deployment. If your roots and family are in Colorado, contact us today to schedule an estate planning consultation before you ship out. Ensure protect your family before deployment 5 must-haves before you leave are ready.
