If you’ve just received orders to deploy, you’re probably thinking about all the things you need to do to make sure your family is taken care of while you’re gone. While you’re mentally checking things off this list, don’t forget important legal matters as well.

Here are four important legal things to take care of before you deploy:

1. Review or prepare a Family Care Plan

Regardless of the branch of the military in which you are serving, you may be required to complete a Family Care Plan. It is usually required for single parents, dual service member couples with dependents, those who are married with custody or joint custody of a child whose non-custodial biological or adoptive parent is not the current spouse of the service member, or those who otherwise bear sole responsibility for the care of children under the age of 19 or for others unable to care for themselves in the absence of the service member, or those who are primarily responsible for a dependent family member.

This plan consists of written instructions to your loved ones on how to manage day-to-day activities and any necessary legal documents. It will also document who will care for your family members when you are unable to due to being away and that the specified caregiver has agreed to do so.

2. Review or have estate planning documents prepared

To ensure that your wishes are carried out, it is important that they are written down. This can be accomplished through the use of a will or a trust. If you have a will already, it is important to make sure that it still reflects your wishes. If you have gotten married or had children since the will was first prepared, it is important that the document be updated. Also, if you have gotten married or had a child since you first had the will prepared, you may want to consider having a trust prepared. While a will and a trust will both distribute your assets according to your wishes, a trust has the added benefit of allowing the administration to take place without court involvement and offering asset protection for the beneficiaries.

3. Review or complete beneficiary designations

As a service member, you may have access to life insurance policies or other survivor benefits. It is important that you review these policies to make sure that the recipient is who you would like to receive the benefits. As mentioned before, this is especially important if you have recently gotten married or had children.

4. Assess your life insurance needs

When planning for the financial security of your family, it is important to assess the needs of your family. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. However, if you need more life insurance than this, it is important that you research your other options.

Davis Law Group Can Help

You have made a heroic decision to serve your country, and we are here to serve you. If you have any questions about starting or reviewing your estate plans, please give the experienced estate planning attorneys at Davis Law Group a call. We can set up an in person or virtual consultation at your convenience.