Just because either or both of you have sworn to protect your beloved country from harm doesn’t mean that you and your partner are immediately free from common marriage troubles. Although military individuals are deemed by the public as more courageous, intelligent, honorable, and industrious than usual, they are as human as the rest of us. They are also, like all of us, vulnerable to the threat of divorce.

How to Walk Away without Divorce Trouble

The easiest way for military couples to deal with divorce is to ensure that they have an amicable parting. Both parties must avoid exchanging bitter recriminations by being honest with each other about who s really at fault, if there s really someone to blame that is, and by being prepared to make compromises.

If it is impossible for both partners to have a civilized dealing between them, they must allow their respective legal counsels to speak on their behalf. Ordinary divorce lawyers may not be fully equipped to handle military divorces. It s therefore important for both partners to hire themselves lawyers that are knowledgeable about military laws pertaining to the dissolution of marriage.

Children – If there are children involved, both partners must remember to put their feelings aside for the sake of their offspring. Custody is always an important issue in divorces, more so if one of the parties involved is in service. Since most military members are frequently on the move, the spouse may be the more logical choice to be granted full custody of the children.

Jurisdiction – A military individual generally has the privilege to choose where he wishes to file for divorce. This is a significant benefit as some states have implemented divorce laws that are more to the advantage of military members. Some states, on the other hand, favor the spouses of military members.

Handicap – If the military member of the couple is handicapped, its possible that the amount of financial support a spouse can expect from the other will be reduced.

On Duty – When an individual is on duty for the military, special rules must be followed before the process of divorce can be initiated. Do research about the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act to know more about this topic.

Pay – Be sure that you know all the details of your partner s income so that the distribution of assets will be fair to both of you. As your partner is in the military, certain divorce rules that are not applicable to civilian partners will be applicable in your case. Separation bonuses, for instance, depending on where you and your partner have filed for divorce, may be classified as conjugal property and is therefore subject to division.

Character Assassination – Although this is a method frequently employed in divorce courts, it is better for couples in general to refrain from revealing hurtful secrets just to gain the upper hand. This is especially damaging to people in the military as their chances for promotion may suffer.

Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) – Soon-to-be ex-spouses of military individuals must educate themselves about (USFSPA) to become aware of all the rights and privileges they are entitled to.

Retirees – For ex-military individuals, your retirement pay may also be classified as conjugal property especially when a Qualified Domestic Relations Order has been filed.

Divorce doesn’t it have to be hurtful. Divorce can be a cleansing process, a symbolic beginning for new lives, but only if both partners make an effort for this to become true.

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