The divorce process is hard on everyone, even when the partners to the ending marriage are willing and able to work together. However, individuals who serve our country as a member of the military can run into extra challenges when they decide that they want to get a divorce. In Illinois and other states throughout the nation, military members must consider residency, benefits, and other factors when they wish to end their relationships with their spouses.
Considerations for military members going through divorce
When child custody and active deployment overlap
A person who makes the commitment to serve the nation in the military takes on a heavy burden of duty and expectation. Depending upon their role in their branch of service they may work domestically to keep the country safe, or they may be subject to deployments overseas to serve in different missions. If an Illinois resident is responsible for the custody of their children when a domestic move or overseas deployment is required, they may not know what to do to ensure that their kids are cared for in their absence.
Special custody considerations for military parents
Making plans to co-parent one's child with a former partner can be difficult for anyone who has had to go through a separation or divorce. However, when military parents are involved, child custody matters can become even more complex. This Illinois-based family law blog will offer its readers some basic considerations that military parents may wish to make when working out plans to care for their children after their divorces, but as with all legal matters it is advised that readers speak with their own attorneys about how to handle their individual needs.
Are ex-spouses entitled to military benefits?
Being the spouse of an active member of the military can be a difficult road to walk. While many Illinois families that take on this responsibility are able to work through their stresses and maintain healthy home lives, others crumble under the pressures that are imposed by service. When a service member and their spouse go through a divorce, the non-military party may have questions regarding if they will be able to receive benefits from their ex's service.
Get legal support during a military divorce
Few choose to enter the military and work for the safety and security of their nation through one of the branches of armed service. Those who do, however, give up a great deal in order to protect others. Illinois men and women who have sacrificed in their personal and professional lives to serve the United States deserve the help and support of those who respect their choices when it comes to settling matters related to divorce.
Service members have options when filing for divorce
Not everyone is able to commit themselves to serve in the United States military, but those who do offer their fellow citizens an invaluable service. Serving in the military can be incredibly difficult for anyone, including those who are married and who have families of their own that they are separated from during their times of active duty. When stress and strain impact the marriages of Illinois service members, they may turn to the courts to end their relationships in divorce.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
One unique aspect of military family law is that the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may apply to child custody, paternity, divorce or child support actions involving an active duty member of the military, particularly when that person is deployed.
Guiding you through the military divorce process
Some careers are very demanding and stressful. This can be strenuous for an individual and their family. Being a service member in the military is one of the most challenging careers and could be the source of a failing marriage. The stress of deployment and training could be taxing on a marriage, resulting in some spouses seeking to end their marriage. While ending a marriage is not a pleasant time for any married couple, for military members, this often means addressing addition divorce issues.
Military family law: military field sees highest divorce rate
For most married couples in Illinois and elsewhere, disagreements happen. While this can just be the common ups and downs of marriage, for some spouses, these disputes are monumental. When marital fights run high, this could signify to the spouses that it is best to end their union and part ways. And in some cases, it is the career or lifestyle of one spouse that could significantly impact the longevity of the relationship.
What makes a military divorce different from a civilian divorce?
As a previous post discussed, divorces for military service members can be different and more complex when compared to civilian divorces. Because military laws apply to certain aspects, the process itself can be prolonged or complicated. Thus, those filing for a divorce should understand what protections are provided military members and what issues they should pay special attention to.
