Honor the Legacy You've Built—It's Worth Protecting
With Veterans Day approaching, we take a moment to honor the courageous men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication. Your military service exemplified a deep commitment to safeguarding America’s future—now, it’s time to protect your family’s future through Estate Planning. Just as you approached missions with precision and care, giving that same attention to your Estate Plan can ensure your loved ones are secure and your legacy endures.
In this article, I’ll walk you through unique estate planning opportunities specifically for veterans and guide you on steps to secure your family’s future. Let’s begin with the benefits available to veterans.
Getting to Know Your Veterans Benefits
Your military service has earned special benefits for you and your family that extend beyond your lifetime. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides several programs designed to support your loved ones after your passing. For example, if you pass due to a service-connected condition, your spouse may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Additionally, your family may qualify for burial benefits, such as a free plot in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag.
To ensure your family can access these benefits, keep your discharge papers (DD Form 214) with your estate planning documents and let your executor know their location. Maintaining an updated list of your VA benefits is also essential, as this information will be invaluable for your family’s future support.
When we create your Estate Plan together, I’ll help you organize the details your family will need, so they can access all the benefits they’re entitled to—without the hassle, uncertainty, or risk of missed opportunities.
Building Your Estate Planning Blueprint
Planning for veterans requires careful consideration of both military and civilian assets. Start by compiling a complete inventory of assets, including:
Military pension and retirement accounts
Life insurance policies (military and private)
Property and real estate
Investment accounts
Personal belongings with financial or sentimental value
When we meet for a Planning Session, I'll help you build this inventory before we create your plan. This inventory is crucial—without it, your family may struggle to locate your assets, and valuable items could be lost.
With your inventory complete, we’ll spend up to two hours together reviewing your assets, benefits, family dynamics, and your wishes for everything you own and everyone you care about, should you become incapacitated or pass away. I'll guide you through what would happen to each asset under your current plan, along with the potential impact on your loved ones. With this understanding, you’ll be able to choose a plan that aligns with your values and budget.
While service members can access basic estate planning documents through the military legal assistance office, this may not meet every need. For example, if you have minor children, blended families, a business, a child with special needs, or significant assets, a basic plan may leave gaps. A comprehensive plan is essential for keeping your family out of court and conflict, which a documents-only approach can’t provide. Plus, for your plan to remain effective, it needs regular reviews and updates as life changes.
A basic, documents-only plan offers minimal guidance and no ongoing support. When you work with me, you receive ongoing reviews, a tailored plan that safeguards your family, and the assurance that your wishes are honored. Educate yourself before opting for a document-based plan; explore the free resources on my website, or schedule a complimentary consult call using the link below.
Your legacy deserves more than just documents—it deserves lasting care.
Partnering with a Trusted Advisor
While the military legal assistance office offers essential services, you may benefit from working with an attorney who understands both veterans’ benefits and estate planning—especially if your situation involves unique complexities, such as a blended family, a loved one with special needs, a chronic illness, no children (this often requires special planning!), or diverse assets. An experienced attorney can help you:
Maximize benefits for your survivors by structuring your estate strategically
Set up trusts to safeguard assets if long-term care becomes necessary
Navigate the intricate VA regulations
Ensure your estate plan complies with all relevant state and federal laws
Keep your plan updated as laws and regulations evolve
For personalized guidance, book a complimentary call with us below. We’re here to help you make the best choices for you and your family.
Your service has been a testament to protecting what matters most. Now, it’s time to safeguard your legacy with careful estate planning. Taking these steps means continuing your tradition of service by securing your family’s future. Remember, Estate Planning is an ongoing process; it’s essential to review your plan regularly, especially after significant life changes like marriage, divorce, a birth, or financial shifts. With us, regular reviews are part of the service, ensuring your plan stays effective when it’s needed most.
Creating a comprehensive Estate Plan brings invaluable peace of mind. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love and a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices you've made for our country.
How We Support You in Honoring and Safeguarding Your Legacy
Veterans have already sacrificed so much for our country—worrying about your family’s future shouldn’t be another burden. As a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we’re here to help you create an Estate Plan that honors your military service by keeping your loved ones out of court and conflict, while maximizing the benefits you’ve earned. With a comprehensive plan in place, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be upheld and your family protected with the same dedication you’ve shown to protecting our nation.
Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation and learn how we can help secure your military legacy: https://bit.ly/20westlegalmeetingscheduler
This article is a service of 20WestLegal LLC. We don't just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you've ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office in Sudbury, Massachusetts today to schedule an Estate Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.