Dear Joe,

In preparation for retirement, my husband and I want to have a trust or will created for our kids and family in case something happens to us. But wow, are legal experts expensive! Can Legal Assistance Services help, even if we wait until my retirement is finalized?

Thanks,

Preparing for the next chapter

Dear Next Chapter,

Great question! If you and your husband choose to wait until your retirement is finalized, you can still use Legal Assistance Services. The staff judge advocates (military lawyers), and DOD civilian attorneys can help draft a trust or will for you and your spouse. The experts can also help prepare legal documents, draft a power of attorney, or refer you to a civilian lawyer if needed. Also, if your eligible children need legal help, they can use the legal assistance services because you’ll be a Retired Soldier eligible for retired pay. For all the information, visit the MyArmyBenefits Legal Assistance Services fact sheet.

Hope this helps!

Joe

Dear Joe,

I am finishing up my career in Texas and planning to move my wife and I to Florida when I retire from the Army next year. We know we want to purchase a home there to be closer to our kids and grandchildren but want to know if there are any helpful tips you could give. We know about VA loans, but are there other benefits we can use?

Thanks,

Heading for the sunny state

Dear Sunny State,

Congratulations on the next step! On the MyArmyBenefits Florida State fact sheet, you can learn about all the miscellaneous benefits the state offers. The benefit that may be most valuable in your move is the Florida Hometown Heroes Program. This benefit offers down payment and closing cost assistance and helps with lower first mortgage rates to those eligible. Be sure to note this program is available to service members, veterans, and surviving spouses who buy a primary residence in the state, meet income and loan limits, qualify for a first mortgage, and complete a homebuyer education course. Visit the fact sheet to learn more.

Best of luck!

Joe