Preventing a second tragedy

It's not a fun topic, but have you tried talking to your spouse about getting your wills updated? A will is the document which provides for the orderly administration of an estate, appointment of a legal representative to settle the affairs of the deceased, creates a trust, if needed, for minor children that safeguards their inheritance and appoints guardians for minor children, among other acts. It is highly recommended and it should be accomplished as a routine matter and not attempted on the eve before going on leave, TDY or deployment when an appointment may not be available.

Talking to my parents about their will is like pulling teeth. Their current will covers who is responsible for the cats. We don't have cats anymore. Not since I was in about, ohh, fourth grade.

I can just imagine the person named responsible in their will for taking care of the cats coming to the house. Upon arriving, there isn't a single cat in sight. Instead, a 75-pound, male English bull terrier, white with black spots, comes running over bouncing and barking. He is followed by a 35-pound female, miniature brindle bull terrier running 100 mph, trying to skid to a halt on the wood floors sliding right into the caretaker. Caretaker leaves immediately covered in drool and feeling overwhelmed wondering if the dogs ate the cats.

My parents' will also states something along the lines of "if we have children, their paternal grandparents will be responsible for them." IF they have children? My sister and I are both 23.

We don't want to think about wills, we don't want to consider the thought of our loved ones not being here. Yet, it's one of the most important things we can do for our families because, unfortunately, it can happen, and one tragedy is enough.

If you are having trouble getting your spouse or others in your units to realize the importance of this type of planning, legal assistance on base can help with preparing wills. To get a will completed, first, obtain a will worksheet, which are available online at belvoir.army.mil/sja/services.asp.

After completing the worksheet, make an appointment by calling 703-805-2856. Come prepared with the completed will worksheet. You will be prepared and your will complete within two hours. The Legal Assistance Office is in Bldg. 257 on 23rd Street, also known as the JAG building.