If you and/or your spouse is in the military, and you're exploring the idea of a divorce, no doubt you've discovered it's not the same divorce as for a civilian. You also probably know that Federal law overrides any state law when any legal conflict arises.

The Simple Military Divorce

Divorce never really seems to be simple, but for those military couples who have relatively short marriages, no property, children or military pension to settle, it can be somewhat simple. You'll find specific guidance in the Service Members Civil Relief Act. The more typical military divorce does involve children and assets and pensions, and more complication.

The Process

It's important to understand that the military considers divorce and separation to be a private civil matter, best resolved by the courts. Sometimes military spouses expect too much out of military authorities, as if a Commander can have a word with a serviceman and have it be all better. Generally, the military wants to stay out of your divorce, unless it involves violence or abuse. Procedural involvement, like pay, benefits, property and so forth are often the extent of the military's involvement. Frankly, this needs to be taken to court as all other divorces are.

The military makes available free legal advice, provided by the legal office (JAG). Anyone that has ever tried to use a JAG for divorce has found their usefulness to your legal needs re: divorce rather limited. They cannot prepare divorce or separation documents, they cannot represent you in court, and they cannot file legal divorce or separation paperwork for you. In most cases, the JAG will not be an expert in the divorce laws in the state you are stationed in, relegating him/her to general advice. You need to speak with a local attorney who knows state divorce laws. Your mission should be to seek out and hire an attorney well versed in the provisions of the Service members Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) and the Uniform Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA), as well as specific provisions required for garnishment of military pay.

When all else Fails

If the marriage can't be saved, someone must file for divorce in the local court of jurisdiction. Neither of you should vacate the home unless there is likely to be violence. If the home is not base housing, you'll be able to co-exist until the court can determine who should find other accommodations.

Do not do anything with your spouse's I. D. card if you are the military member. It is not yours to take, and you can be subject to penalty by doing so (larceny would be one penalty).

In military divorces where marriages have lasted ten years or more, Federal law requires that a portion of a 'career service person's pension be paid directly from the military to the ex-spouse. Where the service person has been in the military less than 10 years the pension money is paid to the soldier and he in turn is required to send a portion of his pension to his ex-spouse.

If you are in housing on base you will need to get specific details on what you may or may not do should your spouse be the military member and decide to move into the dormitory (barracks). However, military family housing, by law, can only be occupied by military members who reside with their family members. The services all have regulations which require the family housing unit to be vacated (usually within 30 days) if the military members stops residing there, or if there are no family members residing there. So, in most cases, in the event of a separation, the party remaining in the base housing unit must vacate (unless the remaining party is the military member and other dependents, such as children, remain). Check with the Commander or JAG to get your specific options.

Read the SMCRA (Soldiers & Sailors Civil Relief Act)

Read the USFSPA (Uniformed Services Former Spouse's Protection Act)