Get your legal affairs in order before the next deployment

  • Published
  • By Peter Kezar
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – For a military servicemember, deployment can be complex and challenging. There are a variety of factors to consider, from complying with relevant laws and regulations to mitigating potential risks.

However, one aspect of deployment that may be overlooked is the importance of maintaining a will and power of attorney.

A will and power of attorney are legal documents that can help ensure that your affairs are in order before you deploy. A will is a document that outlines your wishes for your property and assets after your death. It can also specify who will be responsible for carrying out those wishes. This can be especially important for military personnel, who may be at greater risk of injury or death during deployment.

A power of attorney, on the other hand, is a document that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. This can be useful if you become incapacitated or cannot make decisions for yourself, including medical decisions. With a power of attorney, you can ensure that someone you trust can manage your affairs while deployed.

Maintaining a will and power of attorney before deployment is critical for several reasons. First, it can help ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death or incapacitation. This can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Second, it can help protect your assets and property. For example, without a will, your property may be distributed according to state law, which may not reflect your wishes. Similarly, without a power of attorney, someone you do not trust may be appointed to make decisions on your behalf.

Finally, maintaining a will and power of attorney can help ensure that your deployment goes smoothly. Having these documents in place lets you focus on your mission without worrying about what will happen if the unexpected occurs.

In conclusion, maintaining a will and power of attorney before deployment is an essential aspect of legal readiness for military personnel. By creating these documents, you can ensure that your affairs are in order and that your wishes are carried out in the event of your death or incapacitation. Additionally, this can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones and help ensure your deployment goes as smoothly as possible.

At the link you will find a legal readiness checklist to determine what services you need to ensure you are legally prepared for any contingency.

For more information, contact the Legal Office at 580-213-7404. We are here for you.