Ukraine Eases Will-Making for Soldiers: Commander’s Signature Now Carries Same Weight as a Notary’s

Streamlined Process for Service Members to Draft Wills and Powers of Attorney

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice has introduced a new procedure that lets military personnel create wills and powers of attorney without needing a notary public. Now, the signature of a commanding officer or a doctor is legally equivalent to a notary’s, cutting red tape for soldiers stationed in remote areas where civilian notaries are unavailable.

How Wills and Powers of Attorney Are Now Handled

A service member’s will or power of attorney can be certified by their unit commander or the head of a military medical facility. For those undergoing treatment, the document may be witnessed by the chief physician, their deputy for medical affairs, or the duty doctor. The will must be written down, including the place and time of drafting, along with the testator’s date and place of birth. Importantly, no proof of property ownership is required at the time of writing the will.

A power of attorney for a soldier can also be certified by a doctor at a military hospital. It is created as a single copy and handed directly to the person granting the authority. If the document lacks a certification date, it is automatically considered invalid.

At least two witnesses must be present when drafting wills. Witnesses cannot be heirs, their family members, or the official certifying the document. It is forbidden for anyone who stands to inherit property or for an authorized representative to sign on behalf of the soldier. Commanders and doctors are barred from certifying wills or powers of attorney in their own favor or for close relatives-defined as spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Once completed, these documents are sent through the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the Ministry of Defense to regional offices of the Ministry of Justice. Officials and witnesses are held accountable for breaches of notarial secrecy, underscoring the need to follow strict protocols when preparing such paperwork.

This new system marks a significant step in safeguarding the rights of service members, especially those in combat zones or receiving medical care. By simplifying the process for wills and powers of attorney, soldiers can quickly handle legal matters without waiting for access to civilian notaries-a critical advantage when urgent documentation is needed.

These recent changes in the will-making process reflect a broader trend in the Ukrainian military to enhance operational efficiency. In a similar vein, the armed forces have also implemented reforms to optimize personnel transfers and logistics, ensuring that service members are better supported in various aspects of their duties. For more insights on these important updates, check out how the military is streamlining transfers and logistics.