Comprehensive estate planning for veterans and their families
Estate Planning for Veterans and Their Families
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. For veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force, estate planning involves considerations that go beyond the standard will — from superannuation nominations and DVA entitlements to the practical realities of deployment and service life.
Veterans First Legal provides estate planning services that account for these military-specific factors. We work with you to create a clear, legally sound plan that reflects your circumstances and protects the people who matter most to you.
What We Help With
Wills
Drafting new wills and updating existing ones to reflect your current family structure, assets, and wishes. We take care to ensure your will is valid, clearly worded, and considers all relevant entitlements.
Powers of attorney
Appointing someone you trust to manage your financial or medical decisions if you are unable to do so, including during deployment or periods of service away from home.
Estate administration
Assisting executors with the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes, including applying for probate and managing asset distribution.
Enduring guardianship
Nominating a guardian to make lifestyle and medical decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.
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Military-Specific Considerations
Veterans and serving ADF members encounter estate planning situations that civilians typically do not experience:
Deployment planning
Ensuring your legal documents are in order before a deployment, including powers of attorney that cover the period you are away and unable to manage your own affairs.
DVA entitlements and your estate
Understanding how Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) pensions, compensation payments, and other entitlements interact with your estate and whether they form part of your distributable assets.
Superannuation nominations
Military super schemes (DFRDB, MSBS, and ADF Super) allow you to nominate beneficiaries for your death benefit. Understanding the difference between binding and non-binding nominations is essential to ensuring your super goes where you intend.
Blended families
Military service often involves relocation, separation, and the formation of blended family structures. Your estate plan should clearly address the needs of children from different relationships, current and former partners, and dependants.
Serving Veterans Across Australia
Veterans First Legal provides Wills and Estate Planning services to veterans and their families across Australia. Whether you are currently serving, recently transitioned, or long retired from the ADF, we can help you put a plan in place that accounts for your unique circumstances.
We take the time to understand your situation and explain every step of the process in plain language, so you can make informed decisions about your estate with confidence.
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
Our team is here to help you understand your options.