Introduction: Honoring Veterans with Life & Legacy Planning
As we approach Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who served our nation with unwavering commitment. Just as you approached military missions with precision and care, protecting your family’s future through thoughtful estate planning is equally essential. At our firm, we call this process Life & Legacy Planning.
This article provides an overview of estate planning opportunities available specifically for veterans and outlines the steps you can take to protect your legacy and secure your family’s tomorrow.
Understanding Your Veterans Benefits
Your military service has earned you and your family unique benefits, which can extend beyond your lifetime. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs that can help provide for your loved ones after your passing. For instance, if you pass away from a service-connected condition, your spouse may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Additionally, veterans and their families may receive burial benefits, such as a burial plot in a national cemetery, a headstone, or a burial flag. To ensure your family can access these benefits, keep your discharge papers (DD Form 214) with your estate planning documents, and make sure your executor knows where to find them.
When you work with me on a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll help you organize all necessary documents, ensuring your family receives every benefit they’re entitled to, with no missed opportunities or guesswork involved.
Creating Your Estate Planning Strategy
Life & Legacy Planning for veterans requires careful coordination of both military and civilian assets. I recommend beginning with a comprehensive list of your assets, including:
- Military pensions and retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies (both military and private)
- Property and real estate
- Investment accounts
- Personal possessions with sentimental or monetary value
When we meet for a Life & Legacy Planning Session, I’ll help you create this asset inventory, as it’s essential for your family to have a clear picture of your assets. We’ll then review your benefits, family dynamics, and your personal wishes to ensure your legacy aligns with your values and budget.
While the military legal assistance office offers free estate planning documents, these may not cover complex needs. A Life & Legacy Plan provides a comprehensive solution tailored to protect your family from court and conflict, with regular reviews to keep it current as your life evolves.
Working with a Trusted Advisor
Although the military legal assistance office offers valuable services, working with an attorney familiar with both veterans’ benefits and estate planning is especially beneficial if you have a unique situation—such as a blended family, a special-needs family member, or significant assets.
A trusted advisor can help you:
- Structure your estate to maximize survivor benefits
- Create trusts for asset protection if long-term care is needed
- Navigate complex VA regulations
- Ensure compliance with state and federal laws
- Regularly update your plan as laws change
To discuss the right strategy for you and your loved ones, please schedule a complimentary call with us below.
Regular Reviews and Updates: Protecting Your Legacy Over Time
Estate planning isn’t a one-time task. Regular reviews are essential to ensure your plan remains effective, especially after major life changes like marriage, divorce, a birth, or significant shifts in your financial situation. As life evolves, so should your plan.
When you work with us to create a Life & Legacy Plan, we include regular reviews to confirm your plan continues to align with your values and goals. This proactive approach ensures your legacy is protected and your loved ones are shielded from unnecessary complications.
How We Help You Honor and Protect Your Legacy
Veterans have given so much in service to our country. At our Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we help you honor that service by creating a Life & Legacy Plan that secures your family’s future and maximizes the benefits you’ve earned.
By creating a Life & Legacy Plan, you gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is protected from legal hurdles and financial uncertainties. It’s a lasting gift to your loved ones and a fitting way to honor your years of dedicated service.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today
Take the first step toward protecting your legacy. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn how we can help you secure your military legacy and ensure your family’s future is safeguarded.
