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THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES OF MILITARY DIVORCE

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Where one or both spouses of the marriage is or has been a member of the military, unique circumstances exist which are different from a dissolution of marriage where neither party has been in the military.

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SOLDIERS AND SAILORS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

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Where military members are on active duty, the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act prohibits a dissolution of marriage proceeding from moving forward during the entirety of the time the military member is on active duty, and for 60 days thereafter. The active military member's ability to raise the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act may be waived in circumstances where the military member has the desire to simply move through the divorce process notwithstanding active duty.

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SERVICE OF SUMMONS

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When a military member is on active duty, service of process must be personally accomplished in order for a Florida court to have jurisdiction over the military member. A signed acknowledgment of service or waiver by the military member can establish appropriate jurisdiction.

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JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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In order to obtain a military divorce in Florida, the military member or their spouse must reside in Florida, or the military member must be stationed in Florida. The normal six-month residency requirement for an individual does not apply. Otherwise, to meet jurisdictional requirements, the marriage must be irretrievably broken.

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MILITARY RETIREMENT BENEFITS

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In addition to the standard Florida equitable property distribution laws, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act dictates how military retirement is calculated and distributed in the event of a dissolution of marriage. The USFSPA is the governing body of law that authorizes a direct payment of a portion of a military retiree's pay to the former spouse.

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CHILD SUPPORT AND ALIMONY

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Child support and alimony in Florida must not be in excess of 60 percent of a service member's earnings and other allowances. Child support guidelines are used to calculate appropriate child support. Section 61.30, Florida Statutes. Alimony is based in large part on need and ability to pay. Section 61.08, Florida Statutes. 

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GET HELP WITH MILITARY DIVORCE

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Divorce can be a complicated process, especially for service members adhering to military requirements. Don't hesitate to hire an experienced attorney who will assist you every step of the way. Stan Peeler will work tirelessly to ensure that your legal needs and concerns are met. 

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Call our office today at 850-332-5555 to schedule your free consultation or complete our form online by providing us with the details of your case to set up an appointment.