Estate Planning for Military Families: Protect Your People, Purpose, and Peace of Mind

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure that their family, their assets, and even their charitable wishes are protected — no matter what happens. And for military families, estate planning is especially important.

Let’s face it: life in uniform comes with plenty of unpredictability. Deployments, PCS orders, and the risks of service are part of the job. Having a solid estate plan in place isn’t morbid — it’s just good operational readiness for life.

At its core, estate planning is about making legal decisions in advance — how your assets should be handled, who should care for your children if something happens, and who has the authority to act on your behalf if you can’t speak for yourself. Think of it as putting a plan in place for people to carry out your wishes if you’re not able to.

Still, it’s common to put off estate planning. Some think they’re too young or don’t have enough assets. But even a brand-new service member has the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance election — and if you’ve named a beneficiary, you’ve already started an estate plan. Others avoid it because it feels complicated or expensive. But the basics, like wills and powers of attorney, are often available for free through your base legal. Yes, more complex plans can cost money, but that cost is often a fraction of what your loved ones might face without one, particularly if your case is complex. And for many, the real hurdle is discomfort. Death isn’t easy to talk about. But it’s far harder for your family to navigate the unknown without your guidance.

A strong estate plan usually includes a few key components:

• a will or trust

• powers of attorney

• beneficiary designations

• healthcare directives

• a living will.

These documents aren’t just legal tools — they’re acts of love and responsibility. For example, a will lets you spell out your wishes, including naming guardians for your children. If you haven’t thought about who would care for them in your absence, now’s the time. And don’t forget an “In Loco Parentis” designation — someone local and trusted who can step in immediately if you and your spouse are gone, even if just temporarily. Without it, your children could end up in the custody of the state until a permanent guardian arrives.

Trusts offer even more control and privacy than wills — and unlike wills, they don’t go through probate. That means fewer delays, potentially fewer legal fees, and fewer people involved in your private affairs. A revocable trust gives you flexibility to make changes while you're alive. An irrevocable trust provides more protection because your assets are moved out of your control and your estate. They are harder to change once set, however.

Then there are authority-granting documents. It should go without saying, but be careful as to whom you consider the recipient of a power of attorney. On paper, they have your signing power. A financial power of attorney allows someone you trust to act on your behalf regarding your financial circumstances, especially helpful during deployments. Healthcare directives appoint someone to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated, and a living will spells out your specific wishes for end-of-life care. These documents are especially worth discussing and putting in place with your adult children, who may need you as their parent, to exectue their wishes if they become incapacitated.

And don’t forget your beneficiaries. Designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and investments typically override anything written in your will. That means it’s crucial to review them periodically, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. The last thing you want is an outdated beneficiary who you haven’t spoken to in years, suddenly receiving part of your estate.

If you’ve gone through the work of putting your plan together, don’t stop there. Talk about it. Share your intentions with the people named in your plan. It’s not easy, but those conversations can relieve anxiety, prevent conflict, and honor your legacy. As a parent, it’s better to initiate those discussions from the top down — rather than putting your kids in the awkward position of trying to guess or interpret your wishes later.

Finally, make it a habit to review your estate plan once a year. A simple calendar reminder is all it takes to ensure your plan still reflects your values, your family, and your goals. Whether you use base legal, an estate attorney, or advisor-guided software to build your plan, the most important step is to start. Your peace of mind is worth the effort.