Keeping your will updated is of utmost importance

  • Published
  • By Maj. Lance Mathews
  • Judge Advocate General's School
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNEWS) --  We all regularly check our chemical warfare masks, but when did you last check your will?

All Airmen warriors are in the fight.

"In addition to operational readiness, legal readiness is a vital part of overall deployment preparation," said Maj. Gen. Jack L. Rives, the Judge Advocate General.

A current will that describes your desires is a key component of legal readiness. Your family's ability to carry on -- financially, emotionally, perhaps even concerning the care of your children -- depends in large part on an accurate will.

Many life events can impact an existing will. Marriage, divorce, a change in financial status, the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one are common events that can have significant effects on a will, perhaps even invalidating it entirely.

Take a moment this evening to look at your will. If you want to make any changes, the 1,000-plus military and civilian attorneys in your JAG Corps stand ready to promptly and effectively update your will.

Let these experts discuss the changes with you; writing on a will or trying to make changes yourself can lead to very unpredictable results. A few minutes today may save unintended hardships on your loved ones later!

Your JAG Corps attorneys provide wills as one part of a robust legal assistance program, which can also help with living wills, powers of attorney and a variety of other personal civil matters. Let us help you get your legal affairs in order so that you can focus on your family before you deploy, and on the mission once you're there!

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