Estate planning helps military families and veterans protect their assets, benefits, and loved ones during and after service. In Pennsylvania, active-duty members and veterans face unique considerations, including deployment, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and multi-state property ownership. A well-prepared estate plan ensures your wishes are honored, your family remains financially secure, and your military and VA benefits are properly integrated into your long-term goals.
Why Military Families Need Tailored Estate Plans
Members of the military often move frequently, own property in multiple states, and rely on benefits that are treated differently under state and federal law. Because of these complexities, estate plans for service members must address both civilian and military-specific issues.
Key considerations include:
- Deployment readiness: Powers of attorney, guardianship documents, and healthcare directives should always be up to date.
- Military benefits: Survivor Benefit Plans (SBP), Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs), and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) all require proper beneficiary designations.
- Residency and taxes: Service members stationed in Pennsylvania but domiciled elsewhere may have special filing and probate considerations.
An attorney familiar with Pennsylvania probate law and military estate planning can ensure every component of your plan aligns with your family’s needs.
Essential Estate Planning Documents for Service Members and Veterans
Every service member and veteran in Pennsylvania should have these key documents in place:
- Last Will and Testament – Outlines asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and appointment of an executor.
- Revocable Living Trust – Helps avoid probate in Allegheny County courts and simplifies management of property across states.
- Durable Power of Attorney – Designates someone to handle finances and legal matters during deployment or incapacity.
- Healthcare Directive and Living Will – States your medical preferences and names someone to make healthcare decisions if you cannot.
- Beneficiary Designations – Ensures military pensions, SGLI, and retirement accounts are directed to the correct recipients.
Keeping these documents organized and up to date is especially important for families balancing active service and home life.
Coordinating Military and Veterans Benefits in Estate Plans
Military and veteran benefits often work alongside traditional estate-planning tools, but require careful coordination:
- VA Disability and Pension Benefits – Generally protected from creditors but must be handled correctly to avoid eligibility issues.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) – Provides continued income for surviving spouses or dependents.
- SGLI and VGLI Life Insurance – Require updated beneficiary forms after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child.
- Burial and Memorial Benefits – Veterans and eligible dependents may be entitled to interment in a national or state veterans cemetery.
Without a coordinated plan, these benefits can be delayed or misdirected during estate administration.
Common Estate Planning Mistakes Among Military Families
Even the most organized families can overlook details that impact their future. Common errors include:
- Forgetting to update wills or powers of attorney after PCS moves or deployments.
- Omitting guardianship provisions for minor children.
- Allowing outdated or incorrect beneficiary designations on retirement and life insurance accounts.
- Overlooking the Pennsylvania inheritance tax on in-state assets.
Regular legal reviews—especially after transfers, promotions, or changes in family structure—help ensure your plan remains effective and compliant.
Estate Planning and Pennsylvania Law
In Pennsylvania, estate planning documents must meet specific statutory requirements to be valid. The Uniform Probate Code, Pennsylvania Inheritance and Estate Tax laws, and Allegheny County probate procedures all affect how assets are managed and transferred.
Servicemembers stationed in the Pittsburgh area can also use the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to delay certain civil actions or safeguard their property during deployment. A Pittsburgh-based estate planning attorney can help ensure your plan reflects both state law and military protections.
Protect Your Family and Your Legacy in Pittsburgh
Service to your country deserves peace of mind about your family’s future. At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace LLP, our Pittsburgh estate planning attorneys assist military families and veterans across Western Pennsylvania with wills, trusts, and benefit coordination. Call today to schedule a consultation about estate planning for military families.