It’s no secret that military service can place enormous strains on family life. Long separations and service in war zones take their toll not only on the individuals who serve, but on their marriages. When a marriage breaks down because of the stresses of military service, our attorneys are here to help.
We are centrally located in our nation’s capital and a short metro ride from the Pentagon or the Navy yard, and we’re well versed in military law in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. We can help you navigate all aspects of divorce:
- Spousal support and child support
- Custody and visitation
- The division of marital assets
- Dependent tax deduction claims
- Income taxes and insurance coverage
Military Benefits – Are You Eligible?
A critical consideration for military members and their families are the benefits available as a result of military service. These include retirement benefits, health insurance, commissary, PX, and other military benefits. Entitlement to these benefits is often related to years of creditable service. A comprehensive understanding of eligibility for these benefits enables us to help you make sound decisions and achieve fair outcomes.
Important Questions and Concerns in Military Divorces
A detailed understanding of federal law as it relates to jurisdiction is vital. For example, when a service member is stationed in one state but is a legal resident of another, which state’s courts have jurisdiction to divide the service member’s retirement benefits?
What about the SCRA? Is the service member eligible for relief under the Soldiers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA)? The SCRA allows active duty service members to request a stay of divorce proceedings (suspension of proceedings until a future time) if his or her duties prevent or hinder a response to the court action. If this relief is appropriate, we know how to seek and obtain a stay of proceedings to protect the service member’s interests in the divorce.
The question of what is counted as “income” for purposes of payment of alimony or child support is another important area. Our attorneys understand how elements of a service member’s pay are calculated and taxed, including items such as base housing allowance, as well as how spousal and child support figures can change based on deployment, base transfers, and other factors.
When faced with a divorce, members of the military and their spouses are best served by counsel experienced with the legal issues that affect them. Our attorneys are very knowledgeable in these issues and stand ready to assist service members who have nobly served our country.
