Veterans, your military service was rooted in duty, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our nation. That same mindset can now help you safeguard your legacy and your loved ones’ future. Estate planning—what I call Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ—is about far more than just legal documents. It’s about creating a lasting impact and ensuring your family is taken care of, no matter what life brings.
Whether you’ve recently transitioned out of service or have long been retired, it’s never too early—or too late—to take control of your legacy. In this article, I’ll walk you through the estate planning opportunities available to veterans and show you how to make sure your benefits, assets, and wishes are honored exactly the way you intend.
Let’s start by taking a look at one of the most valuable tools you have: your veterans’ benefits.
Understanding Your Veterans Benefits: Know What You’ve Earned—And Make Sure Your Family Gets It
Your service came with lifelong benefits—and many of them extend to your family after you’re gone. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers programs like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses, and burial benefits that include a plot in a national cemetery, a headstone, and even a burial flag.
To make sure your loved ones can actually use those benefits, it’s crucial to keep your discharge papers (DD Form 214) in a safe but accessible place, and let your executor know where to find them. Keeping a current list of the benefits you receive is just as important—it will help your family avoid missed opportunities or unnecessary red tape when the time comes.
When we create your Life & Legacy Plan together, I’ll help you organize this information so your family won’t be left guessing—or worse, lose out on what you’ve earned.
Building a Plan That Reflects Your Life, Service, and Family
As a veteran, your estate includes both military and civilian elements. That means your plan needs to reflect a broader set of assets and concerns. Before we even start crafting your plan, I’ll help you build a complete inventory that includes:
- Your military pension or retirement accounts
- Life insurance (military and private)
- Property and real estate
- Investment accounts
- Sentimental or valuable personal possessions
Why is this inventory so important? Because if your family doesn’t know what you own or where to find it, your assets could end up unclaimed—or worse, tied up in court.
Once your inventory is ready, we’ll meet for a 1:1 planning session—up to two hours long—to talk through your family dynamics, values, and goals. We’ll look at what would happen under your current plan (if you even have one) and then decide together what needs to change so that your plan truly reflects your wishes. It’s practical, personal, and tailored to your budget.
Can the Military Legal Office Handle Your Estate Plan?
Yes—and no. The military offers basic estate planning services, but they may not meet your needs, especially if you:
- Have minor children
- Are part of a blended family
- Own a business
- Have a loved one with special needs
- Hold significant or complex assets
And here’s the thing: even the most perfectly drafted documents won’t protect your family if they’re out of date, or if no one’s there to guide them when the time comes. A free plan might seem like a good option now, but it’s often missing the long-term support and customization you truly need.
When you work with me, you’re not just getting documents—you’re getting a trusted advisor who will keep your plan updated and working for you through all of life’s changes. That’s the heart of Life & Legacy Planning.
Why Working with the Right Advisor Matters
Every family is different—and so is every estate plan. If your life involves more than just a few basic assets, or if you want to make sure your loved ones avoid court and conflict, working with an attorney who understands both veterans’ benefits and estate planning can make all the difference.
Here’s how I can help:
- Maximize benefits for your survivors
- Create trusts that protect your assets
- Navigate complex VA regulations
- Ensure your plan complies with current laws
- Review and update your plan regularly
Whether you’re just getting started or need to update an old plan, let’s talk. You can book a complimentary call using the link below.
You Protected Our Nation—Now Protect Your Legacy
Estate planning isn’t just a to-do item—it’s a way to continue your tradition of service by protecting those you love. By creating a Life & Legacy Plan, you give your family clarity, guidance, and peace of mind during one of the most difficult times they’ll ever face.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to do it alone.
As a Personal Family LawyerⓇ Firm, we specialize in helping veterans create thoughtful, comprehensive plans that honor your life’s service and secure your family’s future. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.
Click here to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation and learn more about how I can help:
*Please note that these information sessions are exclusively dedicated to Life & Legacy planning. If you need to schedule a consultation for other matters, please contact us here.
This article is a service of SG Law PLC, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. 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 Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized