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Legal Checklist
Legal Checklist
This is a list of legal arrangements that every service member should attend to before deploying.
- Give Someone Power of Attorney. Power of Attorney is a legal designation by which an individual grants to another the authority to execute documents in his or her name. While you are deployed it may be necessary for your spouse, a parent, or another competent person to act for you on your behalf. Power of Attorney protects you and your family by giving them the ability to deal with any unforeseen events.
- Verify the Status of Your Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Before deploying you should review whom you have designated as the beneficiary of your SGLI and update that information if necessary. For more information about SGLI, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs information page.
- Make or Update Your Will. A will is a legal expression or declaration of an individual’s wishes concerning the disposition of his or her property after death. Make sure you have made or updated your will prior to deployment.
- Check Your ID Cards. Service members should check the expiration date of all dependents’ ID cards prior to deployment.
- Safe Keep Vehicle Information. Before deploying, it is recommended that you make storage arrangements for your vehicle(s). Also, check your vehicle registration expiration date. If your registration will be expiring while you are deployed, you should renew your registration prior to deployment or make arrangements for the person with your power of attorney to take care of it for you.
- Update Your Service Record. Review your service record to ensure that all contact information is correct and current. An incorrect phone number can waste precious time in an emergency.
- Safe Keep Important Documents. Store all important documents in a safe and secure location. Make sure your spouse, family member, or other competent person knows the location as well.
