AEDC legal office offers estate planning assistance

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sarah Kress
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  I'm 25 years old, single, no children, and my most prized possession is my Rock Band videogame and my growing collection of Mossy Oak accessories. I don't need a will, right?

Well, that depends. Do you care what happens to your family or property if you become disabled or die? If so, you need a plan - an estate plan. A good one helps you preserve and build your estate during your life and pass it on as you desire when you die. It may save taxes and lower expenses too.

In other words, I suggest you keep reading.

Young or old; single, married, or divorced; financially wealthy or not - planning is important.

Effective estate planning is a continuing process that takes time and conversation. These conversations should not just be about what you own. Rather, you should talk with your family and friends about your goals, priorities, and quality of life.

For instance, who do you want to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated: (a) emotionally unstable spouse or parent, (b) the highly successful but "can't be bothered" older brother, or (c) Aunt Beth who lives far away but also happens to be a nurse?

Not sure where to begin? No worries, the Tennessee Legal Aid Society and the AEDC legal office are teaming up on April 1 to present an informational workshop on the topic of estate planning.

The workshop will consist of a panel of attorneys from different practices, both military and civilian. The speakers will cover basic planning concepts (what is the difference between a will and a living will), and offer some suggested solutions, planning tools and other resources.

Although the workshop is not intended to be a substitute for one-on-one legal advice, it is a good tool for getting the discussion going.

If you are a military member, dependent, or retiree, and you would like one-on-one legal advice from an attorney and you are not sure if you qualify for legal assistance, you can call AEDC Judge Advocate office at 454-7814.

In most cases the AEDC legal office will prepare your customized estate plan (most often a will, advance medical directive and power of attorney). In some cases, however, you or your family member may have complex needs beyond our expertise. In such a case, the AEDC legal office can discuss with you how to select an experienced estate planning expert.

GRAPHIC: Legal Aid Workshop, April 1, 12 - 1:30 p.m., Main Auditorium, Arnold Air Force Base.