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Base judge advocates can help prepare wills

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Putting together a will is something people may not think about, but according to judge advocate experts, it is better to be prepared than be sorry in the end.

There are several reasons why Airmen and dependents should complete their will, especially before deploying. The legal office, located in the wing headquarters building, is available for not only applying for a will, but also planning their health care and living will at the same time.

"The main reason why having a will is important is to be prepared because you don't know what's going to happen down range or in life in general," said Staff Sgt. Alexandra Hastey, 92nd Air Refueling Wing judge advocate civil law paralegal. "Having your will is a statement of intent on where you want your property to go when you depart this life."

As soon as Airmen or dependents get their will, they have to keep it in a safe place because the legal office does not keep any records of them. It will be that person's responsibility to make sure to put in a safe or fire-proof box.

"The will is pretty much the person's voice of what they want done with their assets when something happens to them," said Hastey. "It will also save some confusion between relatives and avoid misunderstandings."

However, if an individual doesn't have a will and they pass away, the state the person is a resident of is able to give out their property according to state law.

"First, they will find out and look for their children and, if they're not around, it will go to the parents or siblings," said Capt. Jessica Jacquay, 92nd ARW assistant staff judge advocate. "If for some reason the deceased individual didn't want to give their assets to a certain person, this is where having a will would be beneficial."

Whether the individual is single, in a relationship or married, they will go through the same process in getting a will. There is also a website if people have certain questions or if they want to start drafting their will to provide an idea on how it works. The legal office is also available every Wednesday to discuss last will and testaments by appointment.

For more information, visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil or call the legal office at 509-247-2838 or 509-247-2839.