When individuals enlist in the armed forces, they know that their careers will require them to make sacrifices. They have to be ready to go anywhere with little advance notice, and this can place a strain on those who have families. Some of these deployments can last for long periods of time, making it difficult for the couple should they begin to experience problems with their marriage.
If the couple is unable to address their issues, they may think about filing for divorce. A military divorce is slightly different from civilian divorces, in that there are special considerations that these families need to be aware of as they head through the process.
Like with civilian divorces, many military couples will be focused on finding child custody and property division agreements. Disputes in the division of property will often focus on the military pension and other benefits offered to the non-member spouse, such as insurance.
These issues may become especially important for those individuals who have been in the service for many years, and close to retirement. If these service members are not careful, they may find themselves struggling greatly once they leave the armed forces.
For soldiers, it can be difficult to ensure that they remain an active part of their child’s life. Child custody agreements can be a challenge for any couple, and when one person moves frequently, it might take even more time to find something that works for everyone involved. There are special protections that have been put in place for those who have been deployed, as many states, including Arkansas, have passed laws that prohibit the deployment from being used as a factor to modify custody agreements.
Whether you are stationed at a base in the state or currently deployed overseas, you can take steps to protect yourself should you start to experience problems with your marriage. It can be difficult to find common ground with your spouse when you are unable to be together due to situations beyond your control, and you need to have someone on your side who will stand up for you at this time.
If you are in the armed forces and considering a divorce, speak to an experienced family law attorney about your specific situation. An attorney can help you address the concerns that you may have, and work with you to find a solution to the unique issues that may be present. You do not want to go through this process on your own, as you may make mistakes that can have a major impact upon your future.