Divorces in which one spouse serves in the military are recorded at a recognizably higher rate than divorces between spouses in other job fields. This may be due to the frequent relocation, frequent deployment, and other stress-related factors that come with being an active service member. With these unique circumstances, military divorces may need to be handled slightly differently than standard divorces. Follow along to find out the complications that typically arise in a military divorce and how a proficient Manhattan divorce attorney at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. can help you overcome each one.
What are common complications that arise in a military divorce?
A military divorce may deal with the same issues as a standard divorce. This may pertain to the division of assets, child custody, child support, and alimony. However, the unique circumstances of a military family may prompt the New York State family court to make unique considerations. With that being said, common complications that may arise in your military divorce proceedings include the following:
- Meeting the residency requirement for filing a divorce if a military spouse is frequently relocated.
- Serving divorce papers if a military spouse is actively deployed.
- Commencing divorce proceedings if a military spouse is actively deployed.
- Settling a child custody arrangement that accounts for relocation issues and deployment orders.
- Dividing complex military assets (i.e., military pensions, military healthcare benefits, VA disability benefits, etc).
- Establishing temporary orders for child custody, support, and alimony that provide stability during the divorce proceedings.
What can I do to simplify my military divorce proceedings?
You may already have a high tolerance for stress in being part of a military family. However, undergoing your military divorce proceedings may add a layer of stress. Ultimately, this may cause you and your spouse to reach your limit.
However, you and your spouse cannot let your stress cause you to act emotionally or irrationally. This may just further complicate your already complex proceedings. What’s worse, this may make the transition phase all the more difficult for your children.
To combat this, it may be helpful to talk about your feelings with a therapist or counselor, with or without your spouse. There may even be military separation and support groups in your area that you can turn to. Overall, it is best to leave your feelings at the door when entering negotiations or litigations with your spouse. Your goal should be to remain amicable with your spouse at the end of all this, especially for the sake of your children.
Rest assured, our team at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. has experience in handling cases just like yours. So please do not be afraid to reach out to one of the talented New York City matrimonial and family law attorneys.