Military Divorce

You need an experienced hand to handle military divorces.

Military divorces have unique rules regarding residency requirements for filing for divorce, certain legal protections for the military member and emergency court orders pertaining to child support and division of military pensions.

Military Divorce mobile-min

Serving the Wright Patterson Air Force Base since 1995.

Military divorces have unique rules regarding residency requirements, legal protections, child support, and division of military pensions.

We can make the process more manageable.

I've assembled a team of private investigators, forensic accountants, expert witnesses and property analysts who can handle your case whether it be a simple dissolution or a complex multi-state custody battle.  Whether you are a career soldier who is concerned about retirement pay and benefits, a young service member with young children, or are deployed, we can make the process of divorce a manageable situation.  We are proud of your service and are proud to have served Wright Patterson Air Force Base since 1995.

Residency and Filing Requirements

Typically, a military divorce in Ohio requires that either:

a)  You or your spouse must reside in Ohio and/or

b)  You or your spouse must be stationed in Ohio.

If you are a typical civilian couple who is divorcing, you must primarily be concerned with the laws of the state in which you are divorcing. You may incur benefits or detriments by filing in Ohio or another state. The guiding hand of an experienced lawyer should be sought.

Active-Duty Military

Military Divorces for Active Military Members can be Delayed and Require a Personally Served Summons.

Service Members Civil Relief Act

Under the Service Members Civil Relief Act military members are protected from lawsuits including divorce proceedings so they can “devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation.” A court can delay legal proceedings for the time that the service member is on active duty and for up to 60 day following active duty.  The Service Members’ Civil Relief Act is the amended version of the Soldier and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA), a federal law governing (and protecting) military personnel from certain applications of civil law.

Residency and Filing Requirements

An active duty member of the armed services must be personally served with a summons and a copy of the divorce action to trigger jurisdiction of an Ohio court.  Without such service, the matter cannot proceed. In cases of an uncontested divorce, the active duty service member can file a waiver affidavit acknowledging the divorce action.  Grounds for a divorce are the same for civilian and service members alike.  These matters should be discussed in detail with an experienced divorce attorney.

Military Retirement Benefits

The Spouse Protection Act Applies to Active Duty, Reserve/Guard, and Retired Military.

The USFSPA applies to all active duty, reserve/guard, retired military, the U.S. Coast Guard, members of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), the National Oceanographic, and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). USFSPA works in conjunction with Ohio property division laws to govern how military retirement benefits are calculated and divided upon divorce.  The USFSPA is the governing body that authorizes a direct payment of a portion of a military retirees pay to the former spouse.  The federal laws will not divide and distribute any of the military members retirement to the spouse unless they have been married 10 years or longer while the member has been active duty military. Divorcing before the service member has attained 20 years of creditable service for retired pay purposes can be detrimental to the non-military spouse.

The Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI)

The Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) is a retirement benefit. VSIs and Special Separation Benefits (SSBs) are two ways the military eliminates officers whose careers are not advancing.  These complicated federal laws are just some of the reasons you should consult with an attorney if you find yourself facing a military divorce.

Child Support and the Service Member

Child Support & Spousal Support Combined May Not Exceed 60% of a Member's Pay.

Military members have a duty to provide support for their children, as well as their spouses, so their wages may be garnished in order to ensure the payment of proper support.  In Ohio, both child support and spousal support/alimony awards may not exceed 60% of a military member’s pay and allowances. The normal Ohio child support guidelines, worksheets and schedules are used to determine the proper amount of child support to be paid.

Divorce Attorney Support Located by the Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

If you think that I'm the right choice, please call for a free initial consultation at (937) 879-9542 or use my contact form.  I'm located just off I-675 near both the Mall at Fairfield Commons and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

There for you through the entire process.

I gives free consultations, guides you through your decisions, and I'm available for continued support after the divorce is over.

When You're Ready To Let Go

I'm a divorce attorney that cares. I guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

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