Military life comes with unique challenges—and that includes how you protect your family’s future. Whether you’re newly enlisted or a seasoned service member, estate planning is essential. From managing assets across states to preparing for deployment, military families face distinct legal and financial considerations.

This guide walks you through the key factors, documents, and benefits to consider when building a strong estate plan.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Military Families

Unlike civilian families, military households often move frequently, face unpredictable deployments, and may qualify for government benefits that require specific legal planning. A solid estate plan helps ensure:

• Your loved ones are financially protected.
• Your wishes are honored in the event of incapacity or death.
• Military benefits are maximized and distributed properly

Whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, or retired, estate planning is a crucial part of securing your family’s future. These factors shape what your estate planning strategy should look like:

• Do you own property in more than one state?
• Are you married or caring for minor children?
• Do you have dependents with special needs?
• Are you contributing to a 401(k), IRA, or Thrift Savings Plan?
• Do you plan to make charitable donations?
• Will you be relocating to another state or country?

Must-Have Estate Planning Documents for Military Families

Life Insurance
This serves as the cornerstone of estate planning for military families. Active-duty members are eligible for affordable coverage through Service Members’ Life Insurance Group. More information is available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. Make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date and aligned with your estate plan.

Will
A will outlines how your property should be distributed and allows you to name guardians for minor or special needs children. It also names the person who will oversee your estate.

Trust
This legal document gives you more control over how and when your assets are distributed. It can also protect your estate if you become incapacitated. For many military families, a trust-based estate plan offers more flexibility than a simple will.

Survivor Benefits
Explore options like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). These programs provide income to eligible spouses and children after a service member’s death. Correctly naming beneficiaries is critical—an estate planning attorney can help ensure these choices support your long-term goals.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Military families often deal with the complexities of tax laws, government benefits, and frequent relocations. Working with an estate planning attorney ensures your plan is legally sound, up to date, and tailored to your military lifestyle.

Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about protecting the people you love. Whether you’re preparing for deployment or settling into retirement, now is the time to get your plan in place.

If you need help building a military-specific estate plan, please reach out. We’ll walk you through your options and help you create a plan that brings peace of mind—no matter where service takes you.

What id Deed Fraud?

As an estate planning attorney, I regularly work with property records: confirming ownership, transferring property into trusts, and distributing property out of trusts to beneficiaries. Because I deal with property documents so frequently, I understand how important it is that county property records remain accurate and secure. Unfortunately, a growing threat to this security is deed fraud.

Deed fraud, or real estate fraud, happens when someone fraudulently records a document that transfers ownership of property without the true owner’s knowledge or consent. This kind of fraud disproportionately impacts seniors, people with disabilities, and owners of vacant or highly appreciated properties. According to the FBI, over 11,000 cases of real estate fraud were reported in 2021, with losses exceeding $350 million.

Two counties in Northern California—Placer County and Yolo County—have taken different approaches to this issue. Let’s compare how each is working to protect residents from deed fraud.

Placer County: Proactive Protection with Courtesy Notifications

In 2022, Placer County launched a Real Property Fraud Prevention and Courtesy Notification Program. Under this program, property owners automatically receive a written notification any time a document is recorded that could affect ownership of their property—such as a grant deed, quitclaim deed, or similar transfer document.

This alert doesn’t prevent the document from being recorded, but it gives property owners the chance to take quick action if the recording is unauthorized or suspicious. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to improve transparency and security, particularly for elderly and vulnerable property owners who might not be actively monitoring their property records.

One key feature of Placer County’s program is that no opt-in is required. Every property owner is automatically enrolled, ensuring that even those less familiar with technology or government services receive protection.

Yolo County: Existing Tools and Steps Toward More Protection

In response to growing concerns, I reached out to the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office about their approach to deed fraud. I was encouraged by their responsiveness and commitment to protecting residents.

Currently, Yolo County provides a self-service online portal that allows the public to search recorded documents associated with their name. While the full recorded documents can’t be viewed online, if a search result looks suspicious, residents can visit the Clerk-Recorder’s office in person to investigate further.

Here is the link to the self-service online portal.

Additionally, Yolo County imposes a District Attorney fraud fee on recorded documents, which helps fund the DA’s office to investigate and prosecute real estate fraud. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office also forwards any suspicious activity to the District Attorney for follow-up.

Importantly, Yolo County is actively exploring the launch of a fraud alert notification program similar to Placer County’s. They are reviewing vendors and models, and are particularly interested in systems that don’t require residents to opt in, recognizing that many at-risk residents may not take the extra step on their own.

Why This Matters in Estate Planning

As an estate planning attorney, I see firsthand how deed fraud can impact families. Whether I’m transferring a client’s home into a revocable living trust or helping a family distribute property to beneficiaries after a loved one’s death, accurate property records are essential.

Deed fraud can complicate or delay trust administration, damage title history, and even prevent a rightful owner from selling or refinancing their property. In some cases, cleaning up fraudulent transfers can take months or years, cost thousands of dollars, and cause significant stress.

That’s why it’s so important for counties to adopt fraud prevention tools, and for property owners to stay vigilant.

What You Can Do

While counties work to improve protections, there are steps you can take to protect your property:

• Regularly check your property records using the county’s online portal.
• Set up alerts if your county offers a notification service.
• Work with a trusted estate planning attorney to make sure your property is properly titled and protected.
• Report any suspicious activity immediately to the County Clerk-Recorder and District Attorney.

Conclusion

Yolo County is taking important steps to catch up with programs like Placer County’s, which provide proactive protection against real property fraud. As an estate planning attorney, I applaud these efforts and encourage both counties—and others across the state—to continue developing tools that safeguard property owners, especially the most vulnerable.

If you have questions about how to protect your property through estate planning, trust transfers, or deed record review, feel free to contact my office. We’re here to help you protect your legacy and your home.

Traveling with disabilities can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be an enjoyable and smooth experience. From researching accessible accommodations to ensuring medical needs are met, careful planning makes all the difference. However, there’s another important aspect that many overlook—estate planning. Having essential legal documents in place can protect you and your loved ones in case of emergencies while traveling.

Here are three key tips to help ensure a stress-free trip while also keeping your future secure.

Tip 1: Consult with Your Physician and Plan for Emergencies

Before traveling, meet with your doctor to discuss your itinerary and any special medical needs. Your physician can provide:

• A medical statement outlining your condition and necessary accommodations.
  
• Extra prescriptions in case of delays or lost medication.
  
• Advice on finding medical care at your destination.
  

Keep your doctor’s contact information readily available and carry extra medication in your carry-on bag. Also, research local healthcare facilities in case of an emergency.

While preparing for medical emergencies, consider having a durable power of attorney for healthcare and an advanced healthcare directive. These estate planning documents allow a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so while traveling.

Tip 2: Know Your Rights When Traveling with Disabilities

Understanding your rights ensures a smoother travel experience. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect travelers with disabilities, ensuring accessibility in transportation and accommodations. However, not all travel industry employees are familiar with these laws, so it’s essential to research and advocate for yourself.

For air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has procedures for travelers with medical conditions, including screening accommodations. Learn about these policies in advance to avoid unnecessary stress at security checkpoints.

If you’re traveling with a caregiver or companion, make sure they have legal authority to assist you if needed. Having a financial power of attorney allows them to manage financial matters in case of an unexpected delay or emergency while you’re away.

Tip 3: Plan Ahead for Accessibility and Peace of Mind

Planning ahead is crucial for any traveler, but even more so for those with disabilities. If possible, book direct flights to avoid unnecessary stress from connections. Arrange wheelchair assistance and accessible transportation well in advance. If staying at hotels, call ahead to confirm accessibility features, as online information isn’t always accurate.

Additionally, when traveling abroad, understand the medical and legal systems of your destination. Some countries have different rules regarding medical care, insurance, and legal authority for decision-making.

Unexpected situations can also arise at any time. Having an updated estate plan ensures that your financial and medical wishes are honored, no matter where you are. A will or trust can safeguard your assets and provide instructions for your loved ones in case of an emergency.

Travel with Confidence and Security

Traveling with disabilities requires extra preparation, but it shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world. With careful research, a well-thought-out itinerary, and legal safeguards like estate planning, you can travel with peace of mind knowing you’re fully protected.

Before your next trip, take time to review your estate plan. It’s not just about preparing for travel—it’s about protecting your future.

If you need help setting up or updating your estate planning documents, click the link below to schedule a meeting with us.

As more people from the Baby Boomer generation reach their senior years, many face a new challenge: solo aging. Solo agers are individuals who don’t have children or close family members who can help them as they grow older. While many Baby Boomers are living longer and healthier lives, aging can still bring health issues like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, or injuries from falls.

Why Solo Aging Is Different

In the past, older adults often relied on family for help with daily activities, either at home or in care facilities. But for solo agers, finding family support can be tough. According to the Pew Research Center, about 1 in 5 Baby Boomers don’t have children—twice as many as previous generations. Even if there are relatives, they might live far away.

Solo agers are often independent, educated, and financially stable. They value making their own decisions, which is great, but it also means planning ahead is crucial.

Without family nearby, solo agers face risks like:

• Medication mistakes
• Poor nutrition
• Isolation and loneliness
• Depression or alcoholism
• Dementia
• Scams and financial abuse

Without someone regularly checking in, these problems can go unnoticed, leading to serious issues.

How to Prepare for Solo Aging

The key is to plan early. Even if you’re healthy now, unexpected health issues or accidents can happen at any time.

To stay in control, appoint someone you trust to make decisions if you can’t. This could be a friend, a distant relative, or a professional like a fiduciary or guardian.

Make sure you have these legal documents:

• A Power of Attorney for financial matters
• A Healthcare Directive for medical decisions
• An Estate Plan or Trust to manage your assets

Since solo agers don’t have family support, it’s also wise to work with legal and financial professionals. They can help ensure your wishes are followed, no matter what happens.

Lastly, build a strong support network of friends, neighbors, or community groups. Regular social interaction can reduce the risk of isolation and help others notice if something is wrong.

Take Control of Your Future

While it might feel uncomfortable to think about, making plans now means you stay in control of your life and future. Having legal documents in place ensures your wishes are clear and respected. Plus, it brings peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

Need help with long term care planning? We’re here to guide you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.