What's the Difference Between a Traditional and a Military Will in California?

While the purpose of a will remains the same both in a traditional and in a military context, be sure to note that a military will is different from a traditional will. There are certain guidelines and exemptions to be aware of that will help simplify the estate planning process for you. Before you start creating your military will in California, here is everything that you can expect ahead of time.

Drafting a will is a critical aspect of any estate plan. It's best to prepare your will as soon as possible to ensure that your assets end up in the hands of the right beneficiaries. If you have served in the military, it's particularly important to dedicate enough time to your will.

Subscribe to our blog today

We regularly share relevant information about wills and estates.

What Is a Traditional Will?

A traditional will is a legal document that indicates how you want your property and assets to be distributed following your death. It is not written in stone and can be altered or modified at any point. That said, there are certain restrictions that apply, stating the author must:

• Be an adult
• Be of sound mind
• Affirm that the will belongs to them
• Verify the will with their signature and the date
• Have at least two witnesses

These guidelines are in place to minimize confusion and to ensure that the testator's wishes are fulfilled at the end of their life. If any of these regulations are not followed, the document will be considered invalid.

What Is a Military Will?

The purpose of a will remains the same in a military context. However, there are certain differences that are worth taking note of. For example, military wills tend to come with fewer restrictions and rules. The goal is to accommodate members of the military who face dangerous conditions every day and a great deal of uncertainty as a result.

The following guidelines demonstrate the flexibility of military wills:

• The testator can be a minor
• The testator can be in any physical or mental condition
• The military will can be written or oral
• Only one witness is required (and sometimes none at all)
• Only the personal estate of the testator can be devised, excluding any real estate

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help make the estate planning process go more smoothly. No matter what your goals are when writing a will, it's well worth your time to familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you get the most out of the process.

Draft a Military Will That Meets Your Needs

To reach all of your goals more effectively when drafting a military will, consider working with an expert such as ClearEstate. We have the tools and expertise that you need to help you navigate estate planning with more ease. With just a little bit of extra assistance, you can bring your will to fruition with a greater sense of confidence and peace of mind.