Divorce is a complex process, and it can be especially complicated when it involves one or two spouses who are in the military. If you are facing the prospect of a military divorce, it is in your interests to know what to expect from this process and what you can do to protect your long-term well-being. Preparation is key in your pursuit of a strong and stable post-divorce future.
There are several factors that make military divorces unique. Deployment and job requirements can make things like custody and visitation schedules difficult. The way military pensions and benefits work can make it complicated to fairly divide marital assets. This is why it is in your interests to work with a legal ally who can help you understand your options and fight for an outcome that allows you to look to your future with confidence.
What should you know?
Before you move forward, you will find it beneficial to learn more about what to expect from a military divorce. Whether you are in the service yourself or you are currently married to someone who is, the following considerations could be important for you during this time:
- It’s important to file in the right place. Where you consider your home to be may be different from where you live or where you expect to live in the future. There may also be a required length of residency in a state before you can file for divorce there.
- Military service does not affect a parent’s right to custody. However, factors such as future deployments, duty assignments and other factors could impact the details of a visitation arrangement.
- A non-military spouse could be eligible for a share of military retirement benefits, even if it was a short marriage. A non-military spouse may also be eligible for health benefits through the military as well after a divorce.
Military status can complicate the already difficult process of going through a divorce. A focus on what will be best long-term for you and your children can help you make choices that will be beneficial for years to come.
Don’t walk through it alone
You do not have to walk through a military divorce alone. It is in your interests to work with an Arizona attorney who can help you understand your options and how to protect your rights. Experience in this specific family law concern can be invaluable as you make decisions that will directly impact your future.
