Essential Documents for Spouses

1.  Power of Attorney (POA)

  The power of attorney is normally used by an individual   who is unable to be present at a particular time and/or   place when important personal transactions must be   conducted. The scope of a power of attorney may be as   broad or as narrow as its maker wishes.

  General Power of Attorney

  A general power of attorney gives an agent all the power   the principal possesses to act with respect to any   matter. It allows the agent the power to do all things the   principal could do himself/herself, such as withdraw   money from savings accounts, borrow money, and sign   contracts.

or

  Special Power of Attorney

  A special or limited power of attorney authorizes an   agent to do a certain specified act, such as the shipping   of household goods, or the selling of a house or an   automobile.

2.  Wills

  What is a Will?

  A will is a legal document which states your desires   concerning what will happen to your property after   your death. A will also contains other specific   directions from you concerning who is to implement   your instructions and, perhaps, who will care for any   minor children you may leave behind.

  Why Should I make a Will?

  If the Soldier dies without a valid will, the distribution   of your property will be governed by the laws of your   domicile or state of legal residence, and perhaps by   the laws  of the state in which the Soldier dies. The   Soldiers wishes will usually not be considered.

  Is all of a Soldiers Property Controlled by his/her   Will   when they die?

  No! For example, proceeds of life insurance policies   (including SGLI) are distributed as the Soldier   designated in the insurance policy, and property that   he/she owns jointly with another person will   normally go to the other joint owner. Likewise,   certain bank accounts which are payable on death   go directly to the beneficiary. Property passed to   beneficiaries in  these ways avoids the probate   proceeding.