Preparing for Deployment: Essential Legal Documents for You and Your Family

As a military service member, preparing for deployment is a crucial step in ensuring your family's well-being and financial security. One of the most important aspects of this preparation is creating essential legal documents that protect your loved ones in your absence. In this guide, we'll walk you through the legal documents you need to prepare for deployment and provide tips on how to ensure your family's safety and security.

Before we dive into the specific documents you'll need, it's essential to understand the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan in place. An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outlines your wishes for your assets, property, and loved ones in the event of your death or incapacitation. This plan should include a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Will: A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets and property after your death. It's essential to have a will in place to ensure that your loved ones receive the assets and property you intend for them to have. Without a will, the state will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes.

Power of Attorney: A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you're unable to do so. This document is essential for military service members who may be deployed for extended periods. Without a power of attorney, your loved ones may not be able to access your assets or make important decisions on your behalf.

Healthcare Directives: Healthcare directives are legal documents that outline your wishes for medical treatment in the event that you're unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes documents such as a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. These documents are essential for military service members who may be deployed to areas with limited medical resources.

In addition to these essential legal documents, there are several other documents you should consider creating before deployment. These include:

• A letter of instruction: This document outlines your wishes for your loved ones and provides guidance on how to handle your affairs in the event of your death or incapacitation.
• A beneficiary designation: This document outlines who you want to receive your assets and property after your death.
• A life insurance policy: This policy provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death.

Creating these legal documents may seem overwhelming, but it's essential to ensure the well-being and security of your loved ones. By taking the time to prepare these documents, you'll be able to rest assured that your family is protected and that your wishes are respected.

At Rocket Lawyer, we understand the importance of preparing for deployment and the legal documents that are essential for military service members. Our team of experienced attorneys and legal experts are here to help you create the legal documents you need to protect your loved ones. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for deployment.