Life in the Armed Forces brings unique challenges. Frequent moves, overseas postings, and the ever-present risks of service. For military families, having the right legal documents in place provides peace of mind that loved ones will be cared for, whatever the future holds.
Why Military families need a will
A will ensures that your estate passes according to your wishes rather than the rules of intestacy. This is especially important for serving personnel who may:
- Own property jointly with a partner.
- Want to provide for children from previous relationships.
- Have service-related benefits or pensions that need to be directed carefully.
- Have children with additional needs to consider.
Service life considerations
- Overseas assets – Many service families live abroad or own property overseas, which may require additional legal planning.
- Young families – With deployments and the risks of active service, it’s vital to appoint guardians for children in your will.
- Nomination of beneficiaries – Service pensions and death-in-service benefits often require up-to-date nomination forms alongside your will.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
For a service members deployed overseas, an LPA allows a trusted person back home to deal with property, banking, or legal issues. This can be invaluable if something needs urgent attention while you are away.
Our support for the Armed Forces
At Gepp Solicitors, we are proud members of Forces Law and run a free military legal clinic every fortnight at Merville Barracks. We understand the lifestyle and pressures of service life, and we are here to help military families put robust estate planning in place.
Next steps
Whether you are serving, a veteran, or part of a military family, our team can guide you through wills, LPAs, and estate planning with practical advice tailored to your individual needs. If you would like any advice, please contact a member of the team who will be happy to assist.
