Care and Disposition of Remains - Army Publishing Directorate ...

c. Different addresses for the parents.
d. Parents have different names.
e. Other information that casts doubt on the entitlement of a parent to receive the personal property.
J–3. Corresponding to divorced parents to obtain a “Release Statement”
When it has been determined that the parents of the soldier are divorced, the following procedures will be followed:
a. Correspond with each parent concerning the personal effects of deceased. Exercise care in preparing letters
addressed to the parents to prevent any misunderstanding as to the correct status of the individual concerned. Figures
J–1 and J–2 are samples of letters to be sent to the parents of deceased. Figures J–4 and J–5 are samples of letters to be
sent to the parents of missing soldiers.
b. Enclose a “Release Statement” with the letter written to the parent who is the eligible recipient of the property.
That parent may complete the release statement to authorize delivery of the property to the other parent. Figure J–3 is a
sample release statement.
c. Send each parent a copy of the Inventory of Personal Effects (DA Form 54).
J–4. Response period and decision notification
Property will be held for a reasonable period (maximum of 45 days) in order that both parents will have an opportunity
to communicate with the summary court. The summary court will address letters to both parents advising each of his or
her decision as to which of them is eligible to receive the soldier’s effects.
J–5. Determination report
The summary court report pertaining to the disposition of the property of unmarried deceased or missing persons
whose parents are divorced will include the reason for the selection of the parent eligible to receive the effects and, if
pertinent, documentary evidence to support the decision.
AR 638–2 • 22 December 2000
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