When John and Pattie reached out for assistance with their estate planning, they did so not only as father and daughter but as proud veterans, united by a shared legacy of service—to their country and their family. John, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, served in the Navy during the Korean War. Inspired by his dedication, Pattie followed in his footsteps, serving in the Navy and carrying on his legacy. 

After a discussion in a support group she attends, Pattie made estate planning a priority. For her, it was a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to protecting and providing for her loved ones—first through military service and now in retirement. She heard stories of people spending thousands of dollars on estate planning and expressed her appreciation for finding a trusted, accessible resource in Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center). 

John and Pattie were each connected with pro bono attorneys ahead of the Wills 4 Warriors Clinic, a one-stop clinic hosted by the Advocacy Center that takes place annually around Veterans Day to assist local veterans with estate planning. After completing questionnaires to outline their wishes, their attorneys drafted the documents in advance, with Advocacy Center attorneys providing guidance and expertise throughout the process. On the day of the clinic, John and Pattie each met with their attorneys to review their documents, ask questions, and finalize their estate plans on-site. Once the documents were executed, their attorneys provided each of them with guidance on next steps, including which documents to file, share with medical providers, and store securely. 

As they left the clinic, John and Pattie carried with them more than just signed documents—they carried peace of mind. Their legacies were protected, their wishes secured, and their commitment to family honored for generations to come.