Service, Sacrifice & Security: Estate Planning for Veterans

You protected our country—now it’s time to protect your legacy.

Veterans face unique challenges when it comes to estate and life planning. From coordinating military pensions and VA benefits to planning for long-term care and preserving family assets, creating a comprehensive plan is critical to safeguarding your future and your family.

Why Veterans Need a Life Plan

Many veterans believe the VA will handle everything or that they don’t have enough assets to need a plan. But life planning isn’t just about money—it’s about control. It ensures your service translates into lasting security for your loved ones.

Key Considerations:

• VA Benefits vs. Medicaid: These programs have different rules. Knowing these rules, or hiring a specialist who can advise of these differences, can be the difference between successfully receiving these benefits or being denied.
• Long-Term Care Costs: Nursing homes average over $100,000/year. Planning ahead can protect your savings and your home.
• Countable vs. Non-Countable Assets: Understand what assets affect eligibility for benefits and how tools like irrevocable trusts can help.

Tools Every Veteran Needs

A well-structured life plan should include:

• Last Will & Testament – Specifies how your assets should be distributed after death and names guardians for any minor children
• Durable Power of Attorney – Appoints someone to manage your finances and legal affairs if you become incapacitated.
• Health Care Surrogate Designation – Allows someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf.
• HIPAA Authorization – Grants permission for chosen individuals to access your private health information.
• Living Will – States your preferences for medical treatment in end-of-life situations.
• Preneed Guardian Designation – Names who you want to serve as your guardian if the court ever needs to appoint one.
• Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts –  Manage and protect assets during your lifetime and after, including options for special needs trusts or pet trusts to care for dependents or animals.

Protect What Matters Most

Estate planning helps ensure your military and civilian service translates into lasting protection for your family. Don’t wait until a crisis hits—start the conversation today.

Contact the Law Offices of Mark F. Moss at 904-329-7242 or visit markmosslaw.com to begin planning for the future you earned.

Thank you for your service. Now let’s protect your legacy!