Military Divorce in Murrieta
How Is Divorce Different for Military Members?
Divorce is an issue that can affect anyone, no matter who you are. Those that are enlisted in the military may also have this issue arise and it does not always come at a convenient time.
Military divorces are unique and will differ from thetypical divorce process. They need the attention of a qualified military divorce lawyer who can help alleviate the strain and seek a timely resolution. At Singleton Smith Law Offices, Inc., we counsel anyone going through a divorce to determine their goals early on and implement them throughout the divorce process.
While no one hopes to go through a divorce, it is a reality for many. In addition, when the divorce involves an individual enlisted in the military, there will be different laws that apply which can be challenging to understand without the counsel of a knowledgeable lawyer.
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Even military divorces are handled by the state courts and different states choose to handle divorce in their own ways. Some require a waiting period either prior to divorce or before remarrying. In the state of California, if at least one of the spouses is considered a resident, they will need to adhere to a wait time of six months from filing their petition for divorce before they are able to continue on with the rest of the process. This is known as the "waiting period." When a member of the military is deployed, many believe they are unable to begin that waiting period until they are back in the country. This can drag out an already difficult process, further increasing the stress and emotion that it can cause. There are options available to you and a military divorce lawyer can actually assist you on beginning the divorce process even while you are deployed.
As with other divorce cases, many aspects will need to be decided upon such as child support, property division, child custody and spousal support. These issues can be more challenging to deal with, factoring in the different lifestyle of a member of the military. The frequent relocation of military members will need to be considered when deciding on child custody. In addition, those in the military can have their pension affected under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act, and some of their retirement pay may be awarded to their former spouse. To protect military members, no more than 60 percent of their income can be awarded for spousal support or child custody. Often times the income of a military member is one of the main focuses of the divorce process and will require the legal guidance of an adept lawyer that has successfully handled cases such as these before.
Navigating Military Divorce in Riverside County
Living in Murrieta, or anywhere in Riverside County, brings its own unique set of challenges, especially for military families. The proximity to military bases such as March Air Reserve Base means that many residents are active duty or retired military personnel. This can complicate the divorce process, making it essential to have a legal team that understands both the local and military-specific nuances.
Riverside County's Family Law Court, located in Murrieta, handles military divorces with the same level of scrutiny as civilian divorces, but with additional considerations. For instance, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can delay proceedings to ensure that military members are not disadvantaged due to their service commitments. This is particularly relevant for those stationed overseas or on active duty, who may find it challenging to attend court dates or meet legal deadlines.
Local government resources, such as the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services, can provide additional support and information for military families navigating a divorce. However, understanding how to leverage these resources effectively requires local knowledge and experience.
One of the most significant pain points for military families in Murrieta is the frequent relocations and deployments, which can complicate child custody arrangements. The local courts are familiar with these challenges and often work to create flexible custody agreements that account for the unique demands of military life. Additionally, the division of military pensions and benefits under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) can be a contentious issue, requiring careful legal navigation to ensure a fair outcome.
At Singleton Smith Law Offices, Inc., we are deeply familiar with the intricacies of military divorce in Riverside County. Our team is committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal support tailored to the specific needs of our local military community. Whether you're stationed at March Air Reserve Base or residing in Murrieta, we are here to help you through this challenging time.
Get Professional Representation for Your Military Divorce
At our firm we can offer you a high level of legal skill while seeking to resolve your divorce in a manner that works for you. Both military members and their spouses can be affected substantially during this time and it is our goal to reduce the impact and provide for the simplest dissolution possible. Speak with an attorney from our firm during a free consultation for greater insight into how we can assist you. Keep in mind that for those stationed overseas, we can communicate with you over the phone or through email, meaning you do not need to visit our office to receive the exceptional representation offered by our firm.
Further reading: How Long Does It Take for My Divorce to Finalize in California?
Contact a military divorce lawyer from our office in Murrieta if you are going through a military divorce and need the guidance of a legal professional.