Legal support is not provided to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members after separation unless there are exceptional circumstances. Though there are some considerations which are part of the transition process.
Wills
Support is provided to full-time ADF members to store their existing Wills.
When a member transitions from full-time service the Will is either returned or destroyed as authorised by the member. For exceptional circumstances, Defence may retain the Will for a limited period following transition from full-time service.
Families of ADF members can make enquiries about an existing Will of a deceased member or a former full-time serving member. Families of ADF members will be required to provide identification and at least one form of proof of the death. Some common examples of proof of death include:
- Death certificate
- Obituary
- Funeral booklet
- Coroner’s letter
If Defence holds the Will of the deceased ADF member, it will be returned to the executor.
Contact adf.wills@defence.gov.au with enquiries.
Veterans’ legislation reform
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found that the veterans’ entitlement system is complicated such that it may impact the mental health of some veterans. The Royal Commission’s first recommendation was that legislative reform be implemented to simplify and harmonise this system.
On 13 February 2025, the Australian Parliament passed the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (the VETS Act). Commencement of this legislative reform will occur on 1 July 2026.
The VETS Act brings together the 3 current/previous legislative schemes governing veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation under a single Act: an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
These improvements create a simpler system that will make it easier for serving ADF members, veterans and families to understand their entitlements, and easier for advocates to support veterans and families with compensation claims.
More information is provided on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website - Veterans' Legislation Reform.