On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Military Divorce on Wednesday, March 19, 2014.
The questions facing military couples when it comes to divorce can vary from those that other couples need to consider. There are matters such as military benefits to consider in addition to rules surrounding property division. If there are children involved, a child custody arrangement needs to be reached that takes into account the military parent’s time away from home. Couples in Missouri considering a military divorce have all of these matters to consider.
One advisor on financial issues has been faced with a recent influx of questions on the matter. His primary advice, when it comes to the complex questions facing couples during their divorce, is to seek assistance. There are many laws to take into consideration that can greatly affect the outcome of a military divorce settlement. Being able to navigate this legislation can greatly ease the process of reaching a fair agreement between the divorcing parties.
Some matters involved in these proceedings are time-sensitive, such as contacting Defense Finance and Accounting Services to make them aware of a divorce. Not doing so within the required year can cost an individual his or her entitlement to a portion of assets such as survivor benefits. Other issues, such as the division of retirement pay, need to be settled during the divorce proceedings. There are also other issues, such installation access, which are not decided in the divorce court at all, but have specific laws governing them.
For residents of Missouri, there is a lot to consider when it comes to military divorce. However, this is no reason to feel discouraged. When a fresh start is required, couples should strive to establish what they are entitled to and get to know the state’s divorce legislation. In this way, both parties can work toward a fair resolution in which they receive the assets they deserve.
Source: Military.com, “Don’t Cut Corners During a Military Divorce,” J.J. Montanaro, March 14, 2014
