Estate Planning
Military Family Trusts
A military family trust is an estate plan designed for the unique challenges of military life: frequent relocations, deployments, and the need for documents that work across state lines. As a former Navy spouse of 13 years, Tonya Bordeaux understands military family challenges firsthand.
A story we hear too often
Lt. Commander Jason and his wife Maria had done everything right. They created an estate plan at their last duty station in Virginia—wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives. They felt prepared.
Then Jason received PCS orders to California. Six months later, he was in a serious car accident. Maria rushed to the hospital with their Virginia power of attorney, ready to make medical decisions.
The hospital wouldn't accept it. Virginia's document didn't meet California's requirements. Maria spent critical hours with hospital lawyers instead of at her husband's bedside.
Military OneSource:
"Military families move an average of 10 times during a 20-year career."
Traditional estate plans often become invalid when you PCS to a new state—leaving your family unprotected exactly when they need protection most.
Why Standard Estate Plans Fail Military Families
Military life creates estate planning challenges that civilian attorneys often miss. A plan created in Virginia may not work when you PCS to California. Deployment creates urgent needs that standard documents don't address.
State-specific documents become invalid after PCS.
Each state has different requirements for powers of attorney and healthcare directives.
Deployment leaves spouses without proper legal authority.
Standard powers of attorney often lack the specific provisions military spouses need.
SGLI beneficiary designations may conflict with your trust.
Without proper coordination, your largest asset may not go where you intended.
Child guardianship arrangements may not transfer across state lines.
The guardian you named in Texas may not be recognized in your new state.
A note: Military families already live with enough uncertainty—deployment schedules, PCS orders, the constant uprooting of your lives in service to our country. Your estate plan shouldn't add to that uncertainty. It should be one less thing to worry about, no matter where the military sends you next.
How a Military Family Trust Protects You
We create estate plans specifically designed for military life. Your documents work across all 50 states, include deployment-ready provisions, and coordinate with your military benefits. One plan that moves with you.
PCS-proof documents valid across all 50 states.
No need to redo your estate plan every time you receive new orders.
Deployment-ready powers of attorney.
Your spouse has full authority to handle any situation while you're away.
SGLI and Survivor Benefit Plan coordination.
Your military benefits work seamlessly with your trust.
Portable child guardianship designations.
Your children are protected no matter which state you're stationed in.
How military family trusts work
Your trust becomes the central hub for your estate plan. Unlike state-specific wills, a properly drafted trust is recognized nationwide. When you PCS, your core documents remain valid.
We include military-specific provisions: deployment powers that activate automatically, SGLI beneficiary coordination, and Survivor Benefit Plan strategies. Your spouse can handle everything from selling the house to enrolling kids in new schools—without legal complications.
For veterans, we address VA benefits, service-connected disability planning, and the transition from military to civilian life. Your service to our country deserves estate planning that understands your unique situation.
Military-Specific Provisions We Include
Beyond standard estate planning, we address the unique needs of military families and veterans:
Automatic deployment activation.
Powers of attorney activate when you deploy, without additional paperwork.
SGLI beneficiary optimization.
Proper designation to maximize benefits for your family's situation.
Survivor Benefit Plan election strategies.
Guidance on whether to elect SBP, decline it, or combine with life insurance.
VA benefits preservation.
Protect eligibility for surviving spouse and dependent benefits.
Thrift Savings Plan coordination.
Ensure your TSP works with your overall estate plan.
Most families complete their estate plan in 2-3 weeks, entirely online. See how it works
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my California trust work when I PCS to another state?
Yes. We draft trusts with portability in mind, using provisions that are valid nationwide. You may need to update powers of attorney to comply with specific state requirements, but your core trust will remain effective.
Should SGLI name my trust or my spouse as beneficiary?
It depends on your situation. Naming your spouse provides immediate tax-free access. Naming your trust provides more control, especially important for blended families, minor children, or special needs situations. We'll analyze your specific circumstances.
What if something happens during a deployment?
Your estate plan includes comprehensive emergency powers for your spouse. They can handle all financial matters, make medical decisions, and manage your affairs. We also include specific provisions for deployment scenarios civilian plans overlook.
How does the Survivor Benefit Plan affect my estate plan?
SBP provides lifetime income to your surviving spouse but reduces their flexibility. We'll help you decide whether to elect SBP, decline it and purchase life insurance instead, or combine both strategies based on your family's specific needs.
Do you understand military family life?
Yes—personally. Tonya Bordeaux spent 13 years as a Navy spouse, experiencing PCS moves, deployments, and the unique challenges military families face. This isn't theoretical knowledge. She's lived it and designed her practice around it.
Ready to Protect Your Family?
Your situation is unique, but our process is simple. Start online at your own pace, or schedule a call if you'd like to talk first.
Last updated: January 2025