Spouses of active military members have a lot to consider when contemplating divorce. Divorce is an emotional and often complex topic by itself, but divorcing someone in the military presents a unique set of challenges. Making the wrong choices throughout the military divorce process could jeopardize a potential settlement.
Different Residency Requirements
Like other states, Georgia has laws on who qualifies as a resident when it comes to divorce jurisdiction. In normal cases, the requirement is six months of residency. However, if you live on a military base, it is 12 months. You may also qualify to have your divorce case decided in Georgia if you have both since moved to other states, but Georgia was the last one in which you lived as a couple.
Military Members May Delay Response Time
Under the Service members Civil Relief Act, active military members may have the right to delay, or even stay, court proceedings. If you file a petition for divorce and your husband or wife is deployed on active duty, he or she has the right to receive a delay, or stay, to respond to the divorce paperwork. This federal law gives you up to 90 days. The judge then has the option of whether to grant a longer stay based on individual circumstances.
In some situations, you may still be entitled to a variety of military benefits even after divorce. Because retirement accounts are considered property under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act, the state court may divide your spouse’s retirement pay along with other assets being awarded in the divorce settlement. Depending on how long you were married and how long your spouse was an active military member, you could be awarded a number of your existing benefits, like health care and commissary privileges.
Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging process, and military divorces in the state of Georgia come with their own unique set of considerations. The intricate interplay of federal and state laws and the specific circumstances surrounding military life requires individuals to approach military divorces with a thorough understanding of…
Spouses of active military members have a lot to consider when contemplating divorce. Divorce is an emotional and often complex topic by itself, but divorcing someone in the military presents a unique set of challenges. Making the wrong choices throughout the military divorce process could jeopardize a potential settlement. (more…)
Civilian and military divorce cases may vary due to a number of different factors associated with child support, child custody, and medical benefits. (more…)
