Estate Planning for Military Personnel: Protecting Those Who Serve at Home and Abroad

Military service comes with honor, sacrifice, and a level of unpredictability. Whether you're active duty, in the National Guard or Reserves, or retired from the military, a thoughtful estate plan is one of the most meaningful ways to care for your loved ones and protect your legacy.

At The Palermo Firm, we proudly support members of the U.S. Armed Forces with estate planning that respects your service and reflects your family's real-world needs.

Why Estate Planning Is Essential for Military Families

Military life often includes deployments, relocations, and time away from home. These realities make it especially important to have a clear, up-to-date estate plan. When life moves fast, a well-prepared plan gives your loved ones the clarity and support they need.

An estate plan helps ensure:

• Your wishes are known and honored if you’re injured, ill, or pass away

• Someone you trust can handle financial and medical decisions if you can’t

• Guardians are legally named for minor children

• Your military benefits and pension are passed on as intended

• Your final wishes are legally documented and easy for your family to follow

Core Estate Planning Tools for Service Members

Last Will and Testament

Your will spells out who receives your assets and who will care for your children. It’s especially important for deployed service members to have this in place.

Revocable Living Trust

A trust helps manage your assets and avoids the delays and public nature of probate. It ensures your estate transitions smoothly while giving your family privacy and flexibility.

Power of Attorney and Healthcare Proxy

These tools give someone you trust the authority to manage your finances and make medical decisions if you're unavailable or incapacitated. This is vital during deployment, training, or in an emergency.

Beneficiary Designations

Your beneficiary choices on accounts like SGLI, retirement plans, and pensions often override your will. Keeping these designations current is critical to avoid unintended outcomes.

Special Considerations for Military Planning

Military Legal Assistance

Military legal services can be helpful for basic planning, but they may not cover all your needs. We build on that foundation with personalized strategies for your long-term goals and family dynamics.

State-Specific Benefits in New York

New York State offers property tax exemptions and legal aid programs for veterans. We guide you in understanding and using these benefits as part of your estate plan.

Deployment and Absence

Being away from home makes day-to-day responsibilities more difficult. A durable power of attorney ensures someone you trust can act on your behalf when needed.

State Residency and Relocation

Frequent moves can impact the validity of your documents. We make sure your plan remains effective wherever your service takes you.

Survivor and Dependency Benefits

VA survivor pensions, Tricare eligibility, and other benefits require thoughtful coordination. We help ensure your spouse and dependents receive the benefits they're entitled to.

Blended and Extended Families

Whether you’re remarried, co-parenting, or supporting extended family, your plan should reflect your real household—not just the legal default. We create solutions that protect everyone you care about.

When to Update Your Plan

Military life changes quickly. It’s wise to review your estate plan:

• Before or after a deployment

• After PCS orders

• Following marriage, divorce, or the birth/adoption of a child

• When retiring or changing benefits

Keeping your plan current helps protect your family and brings lasting peace of mind.

Contact The Palermo Firm

Your service deserves protection beyond the battlefield. Whether you're active, reserve, or retired, The Palermo Firm provides clear, compassionate estate planning that honors your life and safeguards your family.

Call 516-262-4040, email contact@thepalermofirm.com, or connect through our contact form. With offices in Plainview and Commack, we’re proud to serve military personnel and families across New York.

Let’s work together to build a plan that gives you peace of mind at home and wherever duty calls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I still need an estate plan if I already receive legal help through the military?

Military legal assistance offices are a great resource for basic documents, but they may not cover everything. Civilian planning allows for more flexibility, customization, and coordination with New York-specific laws and benefits.

What documents should I have in place before deployment?

Before deploying, make sure you have a will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare proxy, and updated beneficiary designations. These documents help ensure your family can make decisions and manage affairs if you're unavailable.

How do frequent moves affect my estate plan?

Different states have different legal requirements. We ensure your estate plan remains valid and effective, even if you're stationed elsewhere or relocate frequently.