What You Need To Know Before You Get A Military Divorce

By Norbert Higensen


Nobody wants to admit that their marriage has reached an end or they need to spend some time apart from their significant other. Everyone knows what divorce means. It's the complete dissolution of a marriage. Few people know the difference between legal separation and divorce. One would think that they're the same thing because when a divorce is finalized, both parties are separated legally. The reality of the situation is that there are some distinct differences between the two options. Two people who get legally separated want to work it out. They need to have some time apart. Periods of legal separation can be lengthy before they lead to divorce. People don't have to get legally separated. That's just a decision they decide to make.

The process of getting a divorce is no different for military personnel than it is for regular citizens. However, if you are considering a military divorce, there are a few things you should know that could affect your outcome. Depending on the state, there are specific schedules you have to follow when proceeding with a divorce. For example, when one spouse "serves" the other with divorce papers, there's a time frame in which a formal response must be written.

Legal separation and divorce have one important thing in common. In both of these instances, you will work out some sort of agreement that outlines division of assets and debts, child custody and support, visitation schedules and spousal support. Divorce is a very permanent decision. Separation provides both sides with the opportunity to think the situation through. When children are involved, it's important that everyone takes a step back from the predicament. Emotions are running hot and everyone wants to make selfish decisions right now. If they took a little time, they would realize that you have to look at it in a different way. The agreement that you work out has to be negotiated in the most fair and professional fashion possible. Your separation agreement should be a preliminary version of what you plan to outline in your divorce.

If both of you are quite considerate and willing to compromise, you may be able to simply go by the "logical owner/recipient" of each item. You know who values what and who uses what. If you're able to split everything by simply saying, "I want this and that and those and you can have the rest," after a few switches here and there you could both end up quite satisfied.

The services of a Tacoma divorce lawyer will come in handy when you're working out your separation or divorce agreement. People who are aiming towards a separation might feel reluctant to hire a divorce attorney. These legal professionals can do more than work towards completing a divorce for a couple that's on the rocks. They can also act as mediators in a situation where the two sides don't want to have anything to do with each other. Separations and divorces can be completed without getting lawyers involved. Lawyers are brought in because one side wants something that the other side isn't giving them. They bring in the attorneys to fight for their rights in this situation.

If you need help answering questions about a military divorce, military personnel and their spouses have access to legal assistance through the military. Attorneys are present on most bases, and they are there to help out with writing letters, reviewing documents and answering questions. They can even help negotiate on your behalf. However, these attorneys won't be able to represent you during the divorce proceedings. You'll need to hire a divorce attorney.

Whether you're considering divorce or separation, you should make an effort to overcome your problems as a couple before you take either option. Some couples have done so much damage to their relationship that they have reached the point of no return. This is why couples have to work on their relationship throughout its lifespan. We all like to think that there's nothing going wrong because we have a fear of confrontation. We know that if we bring up the sore subjects, it will lead to conflicts that will create more significant problems later on. If we solved these issues when they popped up, we would save ourselves from all sorts of grief later on.




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