Is there someone in some office somewhere who has finally snapped and wants to take their anger out on the world?

These are just a few of the real life scenarios that are an unfortunate reality of our life in today’s society.

Most people take for granted that when they die their property or estate automatically goes to their next of kin or loved one, most likely their wife, husband, child, parents or sibling. However, that’s not always the case.

First let’s answer the question ‘‘What is a will?”

A will is a written document that allows you to determine how your probate assets will be distributed upon your death. It also allows you to determine who will be responsible for the care of your children and the management of their money should both you and your spouse die while your children are minors or are incompetent.

It is the last set of instructions giving specific guidance on the care of a pet, the distribution of assets to someone who is not a family member or not providing something to a family member.

According to John Mitcham, chief of Legal Services, ‘‘There are many issues to consider when making a will.”

One of the issues he stressed is that military members have the Soldier’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI).

The form lists primary and secondary beneficiaries, but does not list what happens or who takes care of minor children if the person is a single parent or both parents die at the same time.

These are important considerations. You must determine what happens in the dispensation of insurance money.

Can a child who turns 18 truly be expected to know what to do when inheriting a huge lump sum of money?

With a will the care of a child could be outlined and a specific age guideline on when to release the funds to the surviving child can be stipulated.

According to Mitcham ‘‘This is a trust that can actually be placed in the will.”

He added ‘‘A married couple should each have a separate will.”

The Fort Myer legal assistance office can assist active duty Soldiers, National Guard and reserve personnel who are on active duty for more than 30 days, retirees and affiliated military family members in preparing a will.

While filling out a will sounds simple, there are a lot of caveats that have to be touched on.

The Fort Myer legal assistance office has a complete and thorough packet that answers most questions and can be filled out prior to seeing an attorney.

For more information, call them at (703) 696-0761.