CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Life is full of change and uncertainty. Therefore, there will never be a "perfect time" to put together a will.
Certainly, the "perfect time" isn't going to happen when you're wearing a protective vest in Afghanistan or Iraq. This makes the present time the best time to execute a will.
Drafting a will is a fairly simple process, which can save families time, money and grief, as well as provide peace of mind.
For example, a will allows you to determine exactly how items in a person's estate are distributed at death. Through a will, people can designate the beneficiary of a specific item of monetary or sentimental value, or set aside a certain sum of money for an individual or charity. For people who choose not to prepare a will, their state of residency will distribute their estate to their family, which can lead to family discord.
A will also lets people provide for the care of minor children. Without a will, the state in which the person resides in will determine the guardianship over their children. While the state generally chooses a family member, they may not choose the family member the parent wants.
To avoid this, people can specify in their will who they want to be the guardian of their children. To parents with young children, this is an invaluable provision that must not be overlooked.
The Charleston AFB Law Center, located in Building 1600, can address any weighty concerns free of charge and with a smile. We see clients for wills on Thursday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. Appointments fill up fast, so stop by now and pick up a will worksheet and schedule an appointment.
With a will, Airmen can deploy and focus on the mission without distraction. For further information contact the Charleston AFB Law Center at 963-5502.