Families who have a member who is an active member of the U.S. Military know their loved one could be called up for deployment at any time. Depending on which unit the service member belongs to, the amount of notice can be just a few weeks to several months.

When you get word that your deployment is on, planning is key to making the transition smooth, and in getting everyone ready to start living without that one vital member of the family, possibly for the next year or longer.

For families with kids, the first order of business should be to explain to the children what is happening and why. Some choose to wait until just a few days before the deployment, but others opt for telling the kids right away to give them more time to adjust. Those who wait until just a few days before the deployment feel that this means less time for the kids to dread that coming day. Others like the opposite approach, giving the kids greater time to mentally prepare. You know your kids best, so you can make the best decision for them.

Next, think about paperwork and legal issues. Prepare a will for both parents. Also see a lawyer to make sure that both people have power of attorney. You may take for granted that both parents already have this, but it’s not always the case. Many spouses, for example, find out that they have no authority to deal with a husband or wife’s bank account or credit cards if those accounts were not created jointly.

Make sure you know where all of your important documents are, just in case you need them. That means birth certificates, marriage licenses, bank documents, insurance forms, mortgage documents – this also includes ID cards, such as driver’s licenses and passports. Make sure they are up-to-date and that the deployed person’s IDs do not expire while he or she is away. Oh, and don’t forget to gather all the information you’ll need for filing taxes!

Deployment means you may also qualify for certain breaks in certain expenses. Car insurance is one of them. The reason is simple: Because you will have one less driver during the time the service member is gone, you should pay less. Ask your insurance agent about it.

It’s a good idea to post the number for the Red Cross where you can easily find it. This may come in handy in the event of an emergency, and you need to contact your spouse quickly.

But perhaps even more important than all the “must do” legalities of preparing for deployment are the more personal and psychological aspects of the situation. Parents must create an environment for the children, and for each other, that makes the best of what is about to happen. Don’t act like the coming deployment is a secret and avoid talking about it. Strive for as much normality as possible. Don’t forget to make specific plans for the big day itself. What will you and the kids do on that day, and the day after the loved one ships out? Have something specific planned so you can get the feeling that you are jumping right into the transition from Day 1.

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