Your Legal Guide Through Life’s Twists And Turns

Impact of a military divorce on military personnel

| Jan 3, 2013 | Military Divorce

Military personnel often face deployment to other countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. They may also be assigned to drills and training to improve their skills in combat. Being in the military can be very fulfilling but it can also affect soldiers’ relationships with spouses and children. Military families in Clarksville may face complex issues when considering divorce.

There are times when a military parent cannot pay full attention to personal issues because duty calls. Military families may face marital disputes due to active deployment. The impact of a military divorce may greatly affect service members, as child support and child custody arise during the divorce settlement.

One military mother is currently in the middle of custody issues of her children. She met her husband in Nebraska where she trained for the Air National Guard. The couple married in 2003 and they had two children, who are now four and seven. The woman filed for a divorce in 2010. The couple had an amicable settlement over child support, parenting plans and property issues but they couldn’t agree on child custody.

A trial was held in March 2012. According to the judge, both parents are proper and fit to raise the children. However, the judge ruled that the mother’s military career may affect the family. The mother gained visitation rights and was ordered to pay child support.

In the past, the woman had been deployed in Turkey and Guam on two separate occasions. She ensured that her relatives would take care of her children during the time of active deployment. The court’s ruling is currently being appealed by the military mother.

Military personnel need to be aware of how their careers may influence a judge’s decision when ruling on the custody of their children. Although military divorce can be a complicated issue, a legal professional can help service members understand the different factors which will be involved in the process.

Source: Starherald.com, “Military mom fights for custody under new law,” Dec. 26, 2012, Sarah Schulz

Archives

FindLaw Network