Filing for divorce is almost never easy, but military families face their own unique set of challenges when dissolving the marriage. Many of the issues involved in a military divorce are similar to those civilians must deal with, but the law provides some special protections for service members and their dependents. Understanding how military divorces differ will help ensure that your rights are respected.

The Difference Between a Civilian & Military Divorce

Protection During Deployment

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects military members on active deployment from being served with divorce, child custody, or support paperwork until they get back. Those who’ve been deployed to an active war zone are protected for an additional 60 days after they return, giving them a chance to prepare their own case. While service members can waive their SCRA rights, military spouses are eligible for health care and other benefits, so it may be in your best interests to postpone the divorce.

Child & Spousal Support Limits

Every parent, including military members, have an obligation to financially support their children. However, most states place limits on what percentage of service member’s income and allowances they will be required to pay in alimony and child support. A local attorney with extensive experience handling military divorces will help determine your rights and ensure you get everything you’re entitled to.

The Military Pension & Division of Assets

The government recognizes that military spouses make substantial sacrifices and contributions to a service member’s careers, so in many cases, they’re entitled to a share of their pension. Typically, divorcing spouses receive pension benefits if the couple doesn’t have significant assets to divide or they’ve been married for a long time.

Military divorces can be extremely complex, but Donna C. Crooks Attorney At Law can make the entire process easier. For more than 20 years, this law firm has helped families throughout Dothan , Ozark and Enterprise, AL, as well as other wiregrass towns resolve their issues as quickly and peacefully as possible. To schedule your consultation, visit their website or call (334) 598-9534, and follow their Facebook for more legal tips.