Going through a divorce at any time is difficult, but it can pose a particular challenge if you’re deployed with the military. If you were served papers while away from home, it’s important to understand your rights and how the process works. Working with an experienced divorce attorney is also vital to help you navigate the sometimes tricky path. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Handle Divorce Proceedings While You’re Deployed

1. Contact a Lawyer

There’s much to consider when you’re deployed overseas and coping with the realities of your duty and responsibility to the military. If you’re served divorce papers during this time, you need someone on your side who can handle some of the heavy lifting while you’re away. Working with an accomplished divorce attorney who has experience with military divorce is essential, as they can provide you with a thorough understanding of the process and how to handle each step when you return home.

2. Know Your Rights

As a service member, you’re covered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The act is designed to provide protections to military members in a variety of circumstances, including being served divorce papers and dealing with child custody issues. In that event, the court hearing is postponed if you can prove that you can’t attend due to your deployment. In essence, you don’t have to make major decisions regarding your divorce during this period. This provides you with some peace of mind and allows you to focus on your duties.

3. Wait if Possible

Dealing with a military divorce is complicated, especially when one party is not even in the country. If your spouse is willing to work with you and you have the assistance of a divorce attorney, you might suggest that you wait until you’ve returned from deployment. It’s ideal to file for divorce in the United States to avoid many of the complications that might otherwise arise, such as a court refusing to recognize the validity of a foreign divorce.

Are you in the midst of dealing with a military divorce? You don’t have to handle this on your own. Turn to Donna C. Crooks Attorney At Law, serving clients throughout Enterprise and Dothan, AL. The accomplished divorce attorney offers over 20 years of experience handling military cases, and she’s ready to help you resolve your conflict as smoothly as possible. Visit the attorney online for more information or call (334) 598-9534.