There are several important facts to know and understand from the very outset.
- Every year there are thousands of divorces in which at least one partner is employed by the military. Thousands.
- Every divorce is unique. Many may have similar aspects, even look the same but no two divorces are the same.
- The law and regulations regarding military divorce are complex and then some. To get yourself the best deal you don't need a good lawyer - you need a good military divorce lawyer.
So with those facts in mind, think carefully about how you approach your military divorce.
Bear in mind that many divorces begin by the couple separating. They move apart and straight away this brings your lawyer with his or her military divorce knowledge into play. If you consider simply the pension a divorced spouse of a former military person may obtain - we're talking potentially serious money here - separation, from the point of view of the law is not the same as being divorced. A good military divorce lawyer will know that.
You may wish to separate to see what happens. You may decide after separation you'd like to hook up again and give your marriage another chance. And this is another aspect because a divorce granted on the grounds that the couple has lived apart for a certain period of time can include a period when the couple tries again but fail and so separate for the second time.
Do you see how simple issues can become complicated? If you plan on getting a divorce or are simply considering the idea, see a military divorce lawyer from the beginning just to get clarification on what you should do. This could be in general terms or something quite specific. Remember there are many issues to consider including but not exclusive to every divorce:
- Custody of your child or children
- Alimony
- Visitation rights and times
- Benefits for the spouse and children of a military spouse
- Share of a military pension
When you add to this the fact that the federal government, the state governments - all 50 of them - and the military itself all have some form of jurisdiction in a military divorce, you can again see how important choosing a good military divorce lawyer has become.
Tips on Choosing the Right Military Divorce LawyerLocation. Sure we have phone, fax and email today but sometimes a face to face meeting with your lawyer is the most beneficial way to make progress. You can see in their face and body language how keen they are to help you, how interested and sincere they appear to be in handling your case. If your lawyer lives a long way away, you are putting added pressure on yourself having to make such a long journey. Find someone who is reasonably close to your home and within easy access for travel.
Experience. An experienced lawyer is good but is not necessarily right for you. The best lawyer is an experienced and successful military divorce lawyer. Remember it is a specialist field with rules and regulations aplenty. And many of these rules and regulations have exceptions. These days lawyers not only advertise, they announce the fields in which they practice law. Do not be afraid to ask. If making initial inquiries by phone - and phone is better than a letter because on the phone you can get some kind of impression of the lawyer who is going to hopefully get you the best possible deal - have a list of written questions. Such things as
- How many military divorce cases have you handled?
- Have you been successful?
- Can you provide me the names and contact details of previous clients?
- What do you charge for your services?
A successful lawyer will be happy to discuss their success. If you have doubts about the lawyer you are better to try someone else. But always go through the vetting process. All military divorce lawyers are not the same.
As divorce is so prevalent it should be fairly easy for you to find another spouse involved in a military divorce. Perhaps look for someone in your situation. So if you're a non-military wife, you would seek out that person who has been divorced. You want advice and most people are likely to help.
The obvious question is who was your lawyer? Then ask if the lawyer was good. Would you recommend him or her? This is the way the world works on so many levels. People get referrals all the time. And often the best way to assess a lawyer is by interviewing their clients.
Another good tip in choosing your military divorce lawyer is to educate yourself. That's tight, bone up on the basics of military divorce law. This will save time when the lawyer is explaining things to you, you will be in a position to ask more questions and more relevant questions and basically, you'll just feel good.
Remember the trauma of divorce can get a lot of people down and doing something to make you feel good and stay positive is the best self-medication. There are many web sites - and particularly this one - with all the basics of a military divorce. If you learn the basics you're in a win-win situation.
Don't ever lose control. Remember you are the boss in that you are the person paying for the service. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. You need to stay on your case and to stay on top of your case. Ask your lawyer a question at any time. Ask for progress reports on a regular basis. Demand the best, expect the best and get the best service.
Military divorce and civilian divorce are not the same. They operate under different rules. Sure some things crossover but the best way to describe a military divorce is that it can be unique and complicated. You owe it yourself to find and engage the right lawyer.
Here are additional resources you might be interested in:
More information on Military Divorce
click here.
What does your Divorce Attorney need to know about your Military Divorce?
What to Look for in a Divorce Lawyer
How much does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in the USA?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Canada
How much does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Australia?
How much does it Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in UK?
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