Virginia Beach Military Family Estate Planning Lawyer
Protecting Those Who Serve Our Country
Whether preparing to deploy overseas or preparing to transition out of the service, military servicemembers have more on their minds than their immediate duty. Estate planning is important for every family, and it’s paramount for military families. Apart from the fact that servicemembers must be prepared at any minute to put their lives on the line for their country, the numerous types of benefits available to members of the military create additional layers that require a special level of estate planning expertise.
Attorney Angela Manz is recognized as a Qualified Master Counselor by the Virginia Bar Foundation, denoting a higher commitment to professional development, training and capability in Virginia trusts and estates practice. Additionally, Angela grew up in a multi-generational military family, including members of the Air Force and the Army. She therefore understands military benefits from both a personal and a professional level. Angela is even married to a retired Navy veteran. In fact, they met when her future husband was preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. He understood the importance of completing his estate plan, and Angela understood it, too. Today, Angela and her team at The Law Office of Angela N. Manz help military families throughout Virginia Beach take care of their estate planning with insight and dedication.
The Importance of Estate Planning for Deploying Military Servicemembers
Before deploying, servicemembers should ensure that their affairs are in order, especially if they have dependents. Having a comprehensive estate plan ensures that their loved ones are taken care of and decisions can be made on their behalf if necessary. This includes having a will or trust, durable power of attorney, and health care directives. A will or trust dictates the distribution of assets and appoints guardians for minor children. A power of attorney allows a designated individual to act on the servicemember’s behalf, particularly in financial matters. This authority can be especially helpful if unexpected situations arise while the servicemember is overseas. Health care directives allow servicemembers to state their preferences for medical treatment should they become incapacitated. And a healthcare proxy appoints someone to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to communicate for themselves.
Estate Planning for Military Members Transitioning Out of Service
Life post-service often brings changes to a military member’s financial, personal, and familial situations. As such, it’s vital to revisit and revise the estate plan to align with their new circumstances. For instance, veterans may be eligible for various benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Proper estate planning can help ensure they maximize these benefits without jeopardizing other aspects of their financial plan.
As military members transition and potentially earn civilian income or receive military pensions, they may benefit from establishing trusts. Trusts can provide tax benefits, asset protection, and a more controlled distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
If servicembers had previously appointed guardians for their children in the event of their deployment, they might want to reconsider these decisions post-service. Changing family dynamics or relocation after leaving the military may influence their choices.
Contact The Law Office of Angela N. Manz for Help With Estate Planning for Military Families in Virginia Beach
A skilled and knowledgeable military estate planning attorney at The Law Office of Angela N. Manz can address critical questions surrounding issues such as whether one should seek life insurance, survivor benefits or both, and how spousal support is handled for spouses of military members.
We’re here to guide military families through every step of estate planning – not just as a one-time event, but throughout their lifetime as needs, goals, and circumstances change – ensuring their peace of mind and the protection of their loved ones. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and start crafting a tailored estate plan to meet your needs.
