Divorce, a legal process of dissolving a marriage contract, is often an intricate and emotionally-loaded procedure. It becomes especially complex when one or both parties involved serve in the military. This complexity stems from the unique set of circumstances that military service members face. These include prolonged deployment periods, frequent relocations, and traumatic stress related to combat exposure, which profoundly affects marital relationships. This essay discusses why there are Special Considerations for Military Divorce in Washington.
- The Nature of Military Employment and Its Impact on Marriage
A military career entails a distinctive lifestyle that sets it apart from civilian employment and faces considerable demands. Military service members are often absent from home due to deployments, training sessions, and frequent relocations. These circumstances can put a considerable strain on marital relationships. It might lead to communication breakdowns, feelings of isolation, and sometimes infidelity.
- The Unique Factors Contributing to Military Divorce
While the factors contributing to divorce in a military marriage mirror those in civilian marriages to a certain extent, the military adds a unique dimension to these factors. Prolonged deployments and the associated uncertainty and insecurity can exacerbate typical marriage stressors like financial issues and lack of communication. These factors, coupled with emotional trauma from combat experiences, may lead to behavioral changes that strain marriages, leading to their dissolution.
The Special Considerations in Military Divorces
- Assessment of Benefits
The US federal law has outlined several protections and benefits for those serving in the military. During a military divorce, courts must take into account these benefits, especially the division of the military pension, which most military members consider their most valuable asset. These benefits pose unique challenges in military divorce proceedings. For instance, determining the fair division of military retirement benefits requires an understanding of the variable elements that this pension plan may contain.
- Jurisdictional Issues
Jurisdictional issues are another unique consideration in military divorces. Because military families frequently relocate, determining the proper jurisdiction for filing for divorce can be convoluted. The state in which proceedings are held can significantly affect the outcomes of alimony, child custody and support, and property division. Hence, deciding on the jurisdiction requires professional legal advice to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Child Custody Issues
Child custody can be particularly contentious in military divorce cases. The demands of military service, such as deployments and station changes, can affect a service member’s ability to maintain regular visitation or custody schedules. Courts need to balance the interests of the child, the civilian parent, and the military service member.
If you are considering a divorce as a military personal, please visit Hodgson Law Offices for the right suggestions.