If you’re a service member stationed far from your Texas home, your divorce considerations may be unique compared to those of civilians. Choosing to file for divorce affects not only your life but also your family’s. To navigate this significant decision effectively, gathering comprehensive information and preparing a military divorce checklist before you proceed is a prudent step.
Today’s blog post from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, will begin a series of blog posts on this subject. The best way to approach these posts is to pose some common questions that I have encountered from service members with my reply to each.
Where Can You Get Divorced While Serving Abroad in the Military?
You cannot request a divorce from your spouse through your branch of the military’s legal services department. Instead, you must go through court to obtain your divorce. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to assist you in this process. While you can initially seek advice from the legal services provided to you, you cannot use that individual to file for divorce on your behalf.
During the planning stages of divorce, creating a military divorce checklist can help you organize your assets and property. List all property owned by you and your spouse and think about how to divide it. Doing this inventory and appraisal before hiring an attorney can streamline the process and make the official divorce proceedings smoother and more efficient.
You Need to Determine Where You Are Domiciled
Regarding where you can file for divorce while not living in the United States, you will need to determine where you and your spouse can claim and prove that you are domiciled. A domicile is the legal home of either you or your spouse. It does not necessarily need to be in the same state.
For example, if you’re registered to vote, pay taxes, own property, and plan to return to Harris County, Texas after completing military service, you likely have domicile in Harris County. A Harris County court would likely assert jurisdiction over your divorce, even if you don’t currently reside there.
Exercise caution when considering a divorce outside the United States to save time and money. While you may receive a document from a foreign entity declaring you and your spouse as divorced, it may lack legal validity. Instead, contemplate hiring an attorney in the part of Texas where you are domiciled and proceed with the divorce accordingly. It will take more time and cost more money, but the result will be a legitimate and legal divorce.
What Happens in a Divorce?
You might have a general understanding of divorce, but specific questions are natural, especially when it comes to military divorce. Using a military divorce checklist can help you address these concerns systematically. It ensures you cover all critical aspects of the process. Most people do not research family law in their spare time, especially someone like yourself serving their country abroad. Let’s take this opportunity to increase your knowledge of what you want to accomplish in a divorce. We will also discuss what will happen when your divorce concludes.
First and foremost, the result of a divorce is that you will no longer be legally married to your spouse. This means that as a single person, you can remarry after thirty days of getting this divorce. You can also choose to remain single. Additionally, you can file taxes as a single person. If granted by your family court judge, you can return to using your married name.
In Texas, getting a divorce means that you will have resolved all issues associated with your marriage. Dividing property, child support, child custody, and conservatorship issues will be resolved in a divorce.
When using a military divorce checklist, be cautious about pursuing a divorce outside the United States. A foreign document declaring your divorce may not have legal validity. Instead, consider hiring an attorney in Texas where you are domiciled. This is to ensure that your divorce is processed correctly and efficiently.
How Long Can You Expect a Divorce to Take?
In Texas, a divorce necessitates a minimum waiting period of sixty days from the date you file your petition before a judge can finalize it. This waiting period offers a “cooling off” phase for both parties, allowing time for reflection and consideration. To navigate this process effectively, incorporating a military divorce checklist can ensure you address all essential elements during this crucial period.
In all likelihood, your divorce will take between three and six months. It can be shorter (unlikely) or longer (entirely possible) depending on the circumstances involved in your case. Difficult circumstances regarding child custody or property issues can cause a divorce to become a much lengthier process.
Conversely, if you and your spouse are willing to collaborate to resolve your issues, and if those issues are minimal, your divorce may conclude relatively quickly.
What About Saving Money a Lawyer if You and Your Spouse Do Not Have Children or Property?
One common question that servicemembers ask is whether or not an attorney is even necessary for situations where you and your spouse do not own property or have any children together.
For those in the military considering a divorce, using a military divorce checklist can be a valuable resource. It helps you understand how to handle the process independently, including addressing complex issues related to children and property. While prolonged disputes often arise from these areas, a comprehensive checklist can guide you through managing these challenges effectively.
However, let me advocate for hiring an attorney even if you don’t have significant property or children issues. You’re acutely aware that you’re not residing in the United States. Picture yourself stepping outside your current location and observing your surroundings. You’re not in the contiguous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii. You’re in a foreign country, and you won’t have the convenience of visiting the courthouse where your divorce is filed to check on paperwork or hearing dates.
Such is the advantage of hiring an attorney to help you with your divorce. Yes, an attorney will cost money. Yes, an attorney will want to do things like “talk to you,” but they can also make sure that “your military divorce doesn’t take two years to complete.” Life happens during your divorce. Other things come up that can take your attention away from your divorce.
Investing money on a Family Law Attorney
Having an attorney is beneficial because their profession revolves around assisting individuals like you in divorce proceedings. By retaining their services, you are compensating them to monitor your case and keep you informed about any developments or upcoming events.
In general, I do not recommend you go about your divorce on your own as a member of the military. Too much goes on in even a “simple” divorce for you to feel confident that you can handle the case on your own. Invest money in a reasonable family law attorney. The benefit to you and your family will be significantly more than your attorney’s fees.
Conclusion
Navigating a military divorce while stationed far from home can be challenging, but being well-informed and organized can ease the process. By creating a detailed military divorce checklist and seeking relevant information, you can better manage the complexities involved. For tailored advice and support, consulting with a legal expert in military divorces is highly recommended.
More on getting a divorce while a member of the military in tomorrow’s blog post
Please visit our website tomorrow to learn about navigating divorce while living abroad in the military. If you have any questions about this topic or any other family law matters, feel free to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Our licensed family law attorneys are available to discuss your case over the phone, via Skype, or through any preferred means. We would be honored to assist you. These consultations are free of charge and can go a long way towards helping you learn about divorce in Texas.
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- How to Divorce a Spouse in the Military
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- How Can I Get My Spouse to Pay My Attorney’s Fees in a Texas Divorce?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Military Divorce
When it comes to a military divorce, entitlements can vary based on factors like length of marriage, benefits, and more. Consulting legal experts is advised to understand specific entitlements.
Preparing for a military divorce involves gathering documentation, understanding your financial situation, and seeking legal counsel to navigate the unique challenges faced by service members.
The 10-year rule refers to the requirement that a marriage must have lasted at least 10 years while the military member served for at least 10 years of creditable military service for the ex-spouse to receive direct retirement payments from DFAS.
The 20/15/10 rule applies to a former spouse’s eligibility for military benefits after divorce. If the marriage lasted at least 20 years, the service member served at least 15 years of creditable service, and there’s at least a 10-year overlap between the marriage and military service, the former spouse may retain certain benefits.
Filing for divorce in Texas while serving in the military involves following state laws and jurisdiction rules. Consulting a lawyer experienced in military divorce can guide you through the process.
In Texas, military retirement is considered community property. Depending on factors like length of marriage and specific circumstances, a court may award a portion of the retirement benefits to the ex-spouse.
The 10/10 rule pertains to the division of military retirement pay. If the marriage lasted at least 10 years and there was at least 10 years of creditable military service, the ex-spouse may receive a direct payment from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston Texas Military Divorce Lawyer
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with a Houston, Texas, Military Divorce Lawyer right away to protect your rights.
A military divorce lawyer in Houston, TX, is skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.
