Accessing A Lawyer To Help With The Nuances Of Divorce

Military families experience exponential hardship due to the sacrifice they make for our country, and, as a result, couples may choose to end their marriage, making help from a lawyer imperative for moving forward. There are many reasons those who are not in the military may choose to divorce. However, as a military divorce lawyer like those from Robinson & Hadeed will share, when one or both parties are in the military, there can be additional stressors that may lead them to make this significant decision regarding their future. Military divorces can be more complicated than civilian divorces, especially when families are constantly moving or one or both parties are deployed. In addition, couples will also need to endure the negotiation process before they can finalize the divorce.

Common Reasons for Military Divorces

When a person joins the military, they give up the opportunity to live as a civilian, changing their life forever. While some married couples may consist of one civilian and one military member, in some situations, both parties may serve in the military. Couples choose divorce for many reasons, but being in the military can add further challenges for a couple. Common reasons people divorce include:

• Long Deployments
• Making Constant Moves
• Reintegrating After Deployments Is Challenging
• Adultery
• Financial Instability
• Marrying Too Young Or Too Soon
• Domestic Violence

Marriage challenges that couples can’t resolve can result in highly painful experiences. In addition, facing divorce can add layers of challenges because it will result in significant changes and a rollercoaster of emotions for all involved. Our Tacoma, WA military divorce lawyer can help to navigate the legalities and layers of complexity that often come with divorce, and help from a professional is critical. 

Know Where to File

In most states, divorcing couples filing for divorce must have residency in their state for at least six months before they can file. While state laws can vary regarding this requirement, it is no surprise that for some families, this may be challenging, especially if they are not in any one place for a considerable time. Despite this, it’s important to note that Washington does not require couples to live in the state for a specific period of time, they simply have to be a resident. However, military couples filing for divorce may have varied options depending on your situation’s specifics. If retirement benefits are not an issue, couples may file in the service member’s domicile or their permanent home, which is often the state where you file your taxes or your vehicle is registered. However, when military benefits may be part of the agreement, decisions over jurisdiction may be much more complicated, and help from a lawyer will be critical. 

Making Agreements During Divorce

One of the key components of divorce for couples in the military is the agreements that must be made. Several special considerations must be acknowledged for those serving in the military, which can make the process profoundly challenging. While negotiating agreements can be challenging, they are essential to resolving a divorce. Couples must form agreements on several key issues:

• Child Custody
• Spousal Support
• Child Support
• Division of Assets & Property
• Retirements Plans

It’s important to note that in cases of military divorce, there are other factors that couples must consider. For example, military benefits may look different depending on the branch of the military. Because of this, determining financial obligations can rely upon the type of military service, whether the couple had children, and more.