Purpose: To assist veterans and their families with estate planning to prevent undue expense and probate courts. To provide education and prepare veterans and veteran widows for arranging a smooth transition to the end of life. Allows the veteran/widow the ability to make decisions concerning their estate. Local attorneys provide these services under agreed-upon terms and conditions. Legal assistance through the Athens County Veterans Service Office is limited to the services described below.
 

Assets are defined as the following: “Anything of monetary value, whether tangible or intangible, including but not limited to real estate, vehicles, personal property such as jewelry, household items, antiques, collectibles, cryptocurrency, intellectual property, cash or cash equivalents, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, retirement and/or pension accounts, annuities, life insurance policies (except term policies that have no cash value), unclaimed funds, deferred compensation benefits, beneficiary funds, Keogh or HR 10 plan benefits, and spousal support payments that do not qualify as income.
 

1. Eligibility
a. Meet the definition of a Veteran as described in ORC 5901.01.
b. DD214 with the character of discharge of General or higher.
c. Marriage License (if applicable)
d. Resident of Athens County for a minimum of three months.
e. Proof of income. Gross monthly income must be $6,000 or less for married veterans. Gross monthly income must be $3,000 or less for single veterans.
f. Special Needs Trust, assets may not exceed $80,000
g. Widows must provide marriage certificates and death certificates. The widow must not have remarried.
h. Veteran/Widow must complete Request for Estate Planning Assistance Application.
i. Legal assistance is available for only one request per Veteran/Widow or Family. Any corrections or updates will not be the financial responsibility of the Athens County Veterans Service Office.
 

2. Services
a. Estate Planning Package- This package includes: Basic Will, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, and General Power of Attorney.
b. Estate Planning Package with Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit.