National Estate Planning Awareness Week: A Guide for Military Families

Military families know that life doesn’t always go according to plan. Orders change, deployments arise, and new duty stations bring new responsibilities. While planning for the unexpected is familiar territory, some of the most important preparations are also the easiest to put off.

Estate planning is one of them.

In recognition of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 19–25, the National Military Family Association encourages military families to take a closer look at the plans and protections they have in place for their loved ones.

Estate Planning Is About More Than a Will

When you hear “estate planning,” you might picture complicated legal documents or assume it’s something to think about later in life. But estate planning isn’t reserved for retirement or families with significant assets.

At its core, it’s about making important decisions today, so your loved ones aren’t left making them without guidance tomorrow.

For military families, those decisions involve additional considerations. Deployments, frequent relocations, and changes in family circumstances can affect everything from who manages household finances to who can make decisions during an emergency.

Four Things Every Military Family Should Review

Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider these four areas:

1. Your will. A will establishes how you want certain assets distributed and allows you to nominate a guardian for minor children. Major life changes may signal it’s time for an update.
2. Powers of attorney. Who can handle financial or legal matters if you’re deployed or otherwise unavailable? Appropriate powers of attorney can authorize trusted individuals to manage responsibilities on your behalf.
3. Beneficiary designations. Review the individuals listed on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and applicable military benefits. These designations should reflect your current wishes and may operate independently of your will.
4. Important documents and instructions. Make sure someone you trust knows how to access essential records, account information, and legal documents in an emergency.

Not sure where your family stands? Explore NMFA’s Military Family Estate Planning Checklist to review important considerations, identify potential gaps, and take the next steps toward protecting your family.

Resources to Help You Get Started

You don’t have to navigate estate planning alone. Eligible military families can access free legal assistance through their installation’s legal assistance office, including help preparing wills and powers of attorney.

NMFA has also partnered with LifeLegacy to offer military families a free online tool to create a will, making an important part of estate planning more accessible.

Families wishing to include charitable giving in their estate plans can also use LifeLegacy to designate a planned gift to NMFA, helping support military families for generations to come.

Remember, estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Review your documents following significant life changes, including marriage, the birth of a child, deployment, or a move to a new state.

While uncertainty is an inevitable part of military life, planning ahead can provide greater peace of mind and help protect the people who matter most.

Protecting your family’s future starts with a plan. 

Together We’re Stronger®

By: Olivia Brinsfield, Content Manager