How to Get Power of Attorney for a Military Deployment

Introduction

Before you deploy, get a military power of attorney for your spouse or the person taking care of your financial matters at home. It won’t cost you a thing, and it will alleviate stress for you and your family after you deploy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

• Military power of attorney

Steps

1

Step One

Designate a person, usually a spouse or a family member, who will take care of your financial and personal matters while you are deployed.

2

Step Two

Determine the length of time a power of attorney will be necessary. Depending on the deployment schedule, this is usually 6 months to a year.

3

Step Three

Locate a local U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance office. You are not required to pay and you can use their services if you are active duty, retired active duty or a dependant of either.

4

Step Four

Consult with a legal assistance attorney to create a military power of attorney.

5

Step Five

Specify the actions you want included in a special power of attorney. If you choose a general power of attorney, you will give total control of your finances and personal matters to the person you designate.

6

Step Six

Sign the power of attorney before you deploy! Even the simplest of tasks, like shutting off utilities, will be impossible without that signed piece of paper.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a civilian lawyer to get a power of attorney, but if your power of attorney will be used in a different state, it is best to have a military power of attorney. Although anyone can personally refuse to accept them, military power of attorneys will be accepted in any state, no matter where they were drafted.
• If you choose a general power of attorney, be sure you trust the person you designate. They will have complete authority over all of your financial matters.