Ending a marriage must be one the most gut-wrenching events anyone can go through. Now, take that pain and hardship and imagine how it multiplies for military couples. While military divorces are not automatically more difficult than civilian divorces, certain things can and do complicate divorce issues in ways civilians cannot understand.
Regardless of whether you and your spouse have already moved to initiate a divorce, the following sections offer some insight military couples might use to save their marriages or at the very least divorce more smoothly.
If it is at all possible, attempt to uncover the reason or reasons your marriage is in trouble. Sometimes, if underlying hurts and hostilities are brought to the surface and hashed out, many couples find they want to stay together after all.
If in the end, a military divorce is the only answer, understand right up front that it may not be an easy endeavor. You will benefit greatly from learning all you can about getting a divorce in the armed forces. This is so whether you married a service member or are yourself a service member. In either case, you have rights you need to learn about.
Take it upon yourself to read the USFSPA (Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act), which contains details about your rights, your entitlements and the protections to which you are entitled.
Finally, seek counsel from a professional experienced in handling military divorces in Florida. This step alone can remove many of the concerns and problems a military divorce often entails. Another benefit of acquiring representation is the preservation of your total rights both as an American citizen and as an armed forces spouse or service member.
Source: Military.com, “5 Things To Do if Military Marriage Is in Trouble,” Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman, accessed June 26, 2017
