If you are a military service member or married to one, you’re likely facing some difficult decisions if divorce is on the table. You may think legal counsel isn’t necessary, but you may also wonder who will protect your rights. We recommend you speak to military divorce lawyers in Oklahoma City who are familiar with the processes that distinguish these divorces from those of civilians; they’ll also provide the guidance you need right when you need it.
9 Reasons to Hire Experienced Military Divorce Lawyers
1. Provides Answers to Your Questions
Divorce is rarely straightforward and often makes for a time of high emotions and unchecked stress. The added complexity of navigating military rules and regulations can make this process feel overwhelming. But military divorce lawyers can arbitrate your case as impartial persons without the emotions that typically burden spouses.
They’ll also answer the many questions you’re bound to have, including:
- How does divorce proceed if one spouse is on active duty?
- How are shared property and assets fairly divided?
- How is child custody settled if a spouse is on duty out of state or abroad?
Put Your Fears to Rest
An Oklahoma City attorney familiar with military regulations can assuage your fears and provide the crucial information you need. In short, he or she will walk you through the unique challenges a military divorce presents.
2. Understands Military Divorces Are Different
U.S. military members and their spouses must follow different divorce regulations than civilians. For instance, a service member on active duty is exempt from “default” charges – a failure to respond to the divorce action.
Normally, a person served with legal papers is required to respond in some way, such as appear in court, and failing to do so can lead to serious consequences. In a divorce proceeding, the person who filed can ask for a default judgment that essentially provides them with what they originally requested.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
But the SCRA preserves the legal rights of those on active duty. This Act recognizes that some active service members cannot respond to a petition within a specific window of time; this entitles these service members to:
- A divorce postponement if active duty keeps them from attending court proceedings
- Specific protections against default judgments when they are unable to respond to legal documents or appear in court
3. Ensures Fair Property Division
4. Dispels Myths
What Military Spouses Are Entitled To
Some people wholeheartedly believe a spouse married to a service member for 10 years is entitled to half of his or her military pension. This is not true: no federal law states that after 10 years, a spouse is entitled to half of a service member’s retirement pay. The law, known as the Former Spouses Protection Act (10 USC 1408), states retirement pay is divided according to the laws of that state granting the divorce.
5. Knows How Custody and Child Support Arrangements Are Handled
Military divorces arrange child support, visitation, and custody in the “best interest of the child,” which is the same standard used in civilian divorces. Custody and visitation arrangements, however, become complicated because service members may be required for duty at any time or may need to move to another state or country.
The divorce agreements must therefore account for these unique circumstances. Common provisions might include:
- Phone call dates and times for children and service member parents
- Extra time for service members to spend with children when they are home on breaks
- Custodial rights for the service member’s parents while the service member is on active duty
6. Can Calculate Retirement Pay
This system gets more complex when service members marry after joining the military; in these cases, a former spouse is only entitled to half the retirement pay for those years of the marriage, not the member’s service. Knowing these differences is key to ensuring spouses and service members receive fair treatment in the divorce settlement.
7. Understands the Survivor’s Benefit Plan (SBP)
In the late 1980s, Congress changed the nature of the SBP to prevent service members from declining this benefit and gambling that he or she would outlive their spouse. Now, only the spouse can decline this benefit, a decision that can have serious implications on military divorce.
To illustrate, under the Former Spouses Protection Act, SBP can be included as part of a divorce settlement. Many times, the dependent spouse seeks a court order that directs the service member to ensure enrollment in SBP. But an attorney not familiar with SBP may not have the knowledge to ensure this benefit for the dependent spouse. The wording of the order that divides the military retirement pay is therefore critical.
8. Can Provide Guidance on Health Insurance
Many dependent spouses want to know what will happen to their health insurance coverage once the divorce is settled, meaning they want to know how to get insurance once their coverage under the Military Health System terminates. These individuals can enroll in a temporary care plan designed to assist in these situations.
Stipulations apply – you must, for instance, enroll within 60 days after separation – and quarterly premiums are due. Military divorce lawyers can help you successfully navigate this system.
9. Establishes Boundaries
Many spouses try to negotiate divorce proceedings with each other but end up arguing. Your lawyer can negotiate for you and establish boundaries so you don’t spend every waking moment bickering with your spouse. He or she can also ensure you don’t make promises that can’t be kept and protect your interests.
If you live in Oklahoma City and are considering a military divorce, don’t gamble with the outcome. Speak to an experienced professional today who knows the law and will work for you. For a free case evaluation, call Cannon & Associates in Edmond, OK, today.