The legal considerations surrounding military Wills for serving personnel.
The Crucial Need for a Will in the Army: Securing Your Legacy and Peace of Mind
Serving in the military is a noble and demanding profession that requires dedication, resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty. Soldiers often face unique challenges and risks that come with their role, which makes having a Will not just a formality, but a vital aspect of their personal and professional preparedness. In this article, we explore why having a Will is of paramount importance for those in the military, and how it can provide peace of mind and protection for both the servicemember and their loved ones.
Understanding the Risks and Realities
Military service inherently involves high-risk situations, from deployments in conflict zones, to high-stress environments that can impact overall safety. While the military provides robust support and training to handle these risks, the unpredictable nature of military life underscores the importance of preparing for any eventuality, including the unforeseen.
A Will serves as a crucial legal document that outlines how a servicemember’s assets and responsibilities will be managed and distributed in the event of their death. Without a Will, the division of assets is governed by the ‘Rules of Intestacy’, which may not align with the individual’s wishes or provide the level of care and protection intended for their family.
Key Reasons for Having a Will
- Control Over Asset Distribution
A Will allows servicemembers to specify how their assets (ranging from personal belongings to financial accounts) should be distributed. This ensures that their property is handled according to their wishes and not left to statutory rules, which may not reflect their intentions.
- Providing for Loved Ones
Military families often face unique financial and emotional challenges. A Will helps to provide for dependents, such as children or spouses, by designating guardianship arrangements and providing financial support. This is particularly important for families where a parent or partner is deployed and may not be available to make these decisions.
- Minimising Legal Complications
Without a Will, the process of settling an estate can become complicated and lengthy, often involving legal disputes among family members or increased administrative burdens. A well-drafted Will helps to streamline this process, reducing potential stress and conflict for surviving family members.
- Addressing Specific Military Benefits
Military personnel may have specific benefits or entitlements, such as life insurance or death gratuity, which need to be properly managed and distributed. A Will ensures that these benefits are allocated according to the servicemember’s preferences and can address any additional instructions related to military entitlements.
- Providing Peace of Mind
Knowing that there is a clear plan in place for their estate can offer significant peace of mind to those who are serving. This sense of security can be especially reassuring in high-risk situations, allowing them to focus on their duties without the added concern about what might happen to their loved ones.
How We Can Help
Our team is experienced in preparing military Wills for serving personnel.
Because of our special relationship with the military and being a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we have developed the following special offer for serving military personnel and their immediate family.
- 5% off our standard Will price – currently £170.00 plus VAT.
- General Power Of Attorney – £150.00 plus VAT.
- Combined package of Will and General Power Of Attorney – £295 plus VAT.
To get the ball rolling give us a call on 0333 888 0404 or send an email to us at [email protected]
