Estate Planning for Military Families: What You Need to Know

~ For any Virginia military family that books an estate plan with my firm from today through the end of December, you'll receive a 25% discount off my normal flat-fee pricing!~

Military families live with realities most civilians never have to think about - sudden deployments, frequent moves, unpredictable schedules, and the everyday risks that come with serving our country. Those constant changes make protecting your family especially important, and often a simple, one-page will isn’t enough to cover everything your family may need.

Here’s what every military family should know so you can feel confident, prepared, and protected — wherever the military takes you next.

Why Military Families Need More Than a Basic Will

Most service members can get a free will through the JAG office, which is incredibly helpful — but it’s also very limited. A basic will doesn’t include many tools that military families often need, such as:

●      A trust to protect your children and keep things private

●      Planning for blended families or complex family dynamics

●      Protecting assets if something unexpected happens

●      Making sure a child with special needs is fully provided for

●      Powers of attorney so someone can handle finances and decisions while you’re away

●      Clear guardianship planning for minor children

Because military life can change quickly, planning ahead ensures your children, finances, and personal decisions are protected without delay or confusion.

How Frequent Moves Affect Your Estate Plan

Most military families move every 2–3 years. Those relocations affect far more than boxes and furniture — they also impact:

●      Your finances, especially if you’re buying, selling, or renting homes

●      Your local support system

●      The legal rules that apply to your documents

A will or trust created in one state may not fully match the laws in the next state you move to. And major life events — marriage, divorce, new babies, buying a home — may require updates too. Keeping your documents up to date means your family is always protected, no matter where you’re stationed.

“Deployment Readiness” for Your Family

Before a deployment, taking a little time to get documents in order can create enormous peace of mind. That often includes:

●      Wills and/or trusts

●      Updated beneficiary designations

●      Guardianship decisions for your children

●      Financial and medical powers of attorney

●      Instructions for digital assets (online accounts, passwords, etc.)

●      A simple “letter of instruction” explaining:

○      who to contact,

○      where important documents are kept,

○      and what bills or financial tasks may need attention

Deployment can happen fast. Having everything organized ahead of time helps your family stay grounded and secure while you’re away.

We Can Help!

Ready to get your own estate plan started? Start by booking a Peace of Mind Planning Session. We’ll answer your questions, go over your options and our flat fees, and decide if we want to move forward. Mention this blog and we’ll waive the $450 session fee! Book here. https://tinyurl.com/MILITARYpeaceofmind