A power of attorney is a written document that gives one person the authority to act on another’s behalf for any legal or economic issues.

If you’re a military parent who has custody or visitation rights for your children, military service can disrupt those arrangements. But you do have rights.

If the crime occurred on a military installation or military personnel were involved, report the crime to the nearest military police agency or through an investigative office.

Mediation is a less costly alternative to calling lawyers and heading to court. It’s an informal and confidential way to resolve conflicts with the help of a neutral mediator.

Estate planning ensures that you have your affairs in order for your loved ones in the event of your death and makes sure they are cared for according to your wishes.

Knowing what to expect when you meet with an attorney can make your meeting more productive and efficient. Get the most out of your time together by following these tips before and during your meeting.

Many service members have custody of, or visitation rights with, children whose other parent is not the service member's current spouse. Absences due to military service can undermine and disrupt existing arrangements, creating stress on parents and children.

When legal issues arise, service members and their families have a number of resources at their fingertips, much of it free. Legal assistance is available whether you need an expert to review a contract, help with estate planning, finalize deployment-related legal documents, or get advice on mediation for child custody.

Moving from place to place requires a lot of effort and changes. Two laws make it easier for military spouses regarding their residency, voting and state taxes.

Service attorneys, paralegals and Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Providers from around the world participated in a five-day, joint-service legal training on special education law.

Whether you’re living on or off an installation, driving under the influence or possessing or using marijuana can get you in serious trouble in the military. You should understand the consequences of these issues and how to handle them if you do land in legal trouble.

You want to be an effective advocate for your child with special needs. The first step is to understand the laws that are in place to protect children with special needs.

You want your family to be in the best care possible. Create a family care plan to provide the information and documents necessary for a designated caregiver to care for your family until you come home.

While you’re deployed, you may want to rent your home or leave it in the hands of a house sitter. Both options can help deter break-ins, keep it maintained and, if you rent it, pay the mortgage.

Caring for a child of a deployed service member is an opportunity to serve the country in a unique way. Like everything, a little preparation and the right information will go a long way towards ensuring a smooth transition.