Bowie, Maryland Military Divorce Lawyers

Experienced Divorce Attorneys Helping Military Families in Bowie, MD

All military families realize there is a deep divide between civilian and military lives. Military divorces include various complications that civilian couples do not face. From dividing military pensions to child custody issues related to deployment, handling these challenges correctly is vital. The lawyer you choose must firmly grasp these unique issues to assure you that your rights are protected and your best interests are served.

Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett is proud to have assisted armed service personnel and their spouses in Maryland with various legal matters for decades. We are well aware of the many regulations and laws that apply to military divorces, and we will explain them to you with easily understood language, not legalese. The considerable time we take getting to know you is well-spent, because we apply the details we gather to develop a customized divorce strategy. Your complimentary consultation is a phone call away.

Special Considerations in a Military Divorce

Whether your divorce involves an active-duty or retired military member, many factors set your situation apart from similar civilian divorces. Each factor needs to be carefully evaluated to make certain various federal laws are followed.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

All military branches expect an active member's duty to take top priority. If that duty interferes with a person's ability to address concerns during their case, the servicemember can seek to delay deadlines, court appearances, and other divorce-related issues for 90+ days. It is best to consult with a seasoned attorney from the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett to ensure that your rights are protected and that your request is filed correctly.

Child Support

Service members are held to high standards as part of their duties, including a legal obligation to provide sufficient financial support for their children after divorce. Many service branches have rules regarding child support amounts, although orders put in place in state courts may take precedence.

The Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act

Military spouses often feel they have served alongside their husband or wife, with multiple moves during the member's career being typical. The USFSPA allows some former spouses to receive a portion of the servicemember's retirement pay, which is considered property rather than income. Other benefits may also be available to a military spouse following divorce.

Not every spouse qualifies for these protections. Your lawyer from the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett will evaluate your eligibility, and we will work to ensure that these issues will be handled correctly during your case.

Child Custody and Deployment

Active-duty military personnel may sometimes be deployed, and child custody arrangements should address that possibility. When that parent returns from deployment, the original custody order usually resumes. Your parenting plan should cover child custody, visitation with other family members, and other concerns during deployment. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett knows Maryland and federal laws. We will explain how they apply to your situation and help you devise plans that address each concern.

In some cases, a parent may enlist in the military after their divorce. Modifications to court-ordered child custody and parenting plans may be necessary to accommodate potential deployment. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett can help with matters related to modifications, and we work to ensure that any changes made will reflect what is in the children's best interests.

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Benefits

Some former spouses can still benefit from this program, which allows them to access post exchanges, commissaries, healthcare coverage, and other base facilities. To qualify, you must have not remarried and meet the 20/20/20 rule:

• The military spouse served for 20 years or longer.
• Your marriage lasted for 20 years or longer.
• The overlap between active-duty service and your marriage lasted 20 years or more.

Retaining these privileges is usually advantageous, and we can help ensure that MWR benefits will be addressed correctly during your divorce if you are eligible.

Call Our Bowie Armed Services Divorce Attorneys

Not every lawyer can handle military divorces with the care and focused knowledge necessary to address legal concerns while protecting your best interests. The attorneys from Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett can. Contact us online or call 301-262-5500 now to reserve a time to speak with one of our experienced lawyers in a free consultation.