How to Get a Military Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a necessity for anyone who is serving in the military. It is especially important for the family or a trusted advisor to have one when the military member is away at training or deployed. The document will allow your attorney-in-fact to make financial decisions on your behalf while you are away and unable to attend to them yourself.
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Instructions
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Determine who should hold the power of attorney. This is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. Married military members typically choose a spouse, while single military members will generally choose a parent. The person should be completely trusted, as the power of attorney is a powerful legal document.
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Visit the JAG office on post. The JAG officers can draw up a legal power of attorney. They can also advise you about the different options available such as a general or limited power of attorney. Medical power of attorneys are also available. If you would rather do your own, power of attorney software and power of attorney forms can be found online.
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Call financial institutions and those you conduct business with regularly. Be sure they will accept the power of attorney if the need arises. Some businesses, particularly banks, will have specific forms of their own.
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Plan ahead for what may happen when you are gone. Your spouse will not be able to secure housing on post with a specific power of attorney. If there is a possibility of your family having to move while you are gone, be sure this is taken care of before you leave.
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Review and make changes to your power of attorney on a regular basis. Most JAG officers will recommend an expiration date be placed on the document. Regardless, it is important to keep it up to date and inform businesses that may have a copy of your power of attorney of any changes.
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