Divorce Attorney

If you’re serving your country, the last thing you want is for your career to be damaged by a messy divorce. Many service members aren’t aware of how much their divorce may impact their future in the armed forces, and others are completely blindsided by just how much trouble a vindictive spouse can cause.

As a divorce attorney like our friends at the McKinney Law Group can explain, if you’re serving in the military, it’s important to know just how much a divorce can affect your future. And if you and your spouse have children, it’s important to know how your military service can impact when you’ll be able to see your kids  – and how much you can contribute to their wellbeing. Read on to learn more about how a divorce can affect your military career.

You Better Pay Your Child Support – Or Else

When it comes to a divorce with children caught in the middle, the courts will usually award one parent custodial rights, and one parent with visitation rights. A custodial parent is responsible for raising the child. This means housing, clothing, feeding, and taking them to school, medical appointments, and everything else it may take to ensure a kid grows up right. On the other hand, a parent with visitation rights is only allowed to see the children once in a while, while also making regular child support payments.

If you’re moving around a lot because of your military service, it may mean you’ll only be awarded visitation rights to see your children. This means paying child support – and because you’re in the military, your ex has several ways to get the money you’re owed. If you disagree with how much you need to pay, good luck: Your CO can actually punish you for failing to make your payments. This can involve assigning extra duty, or in extreme cases even dropping your rank.

Joint Custody May Not Be Possible

In some situations, a couple can agree to take equal part in raising a child. An agreement like this is called joint custody, and it means that you and your spouse were able to set your differences aside for the good of the kids. You’ll still be divorced, you’ll still be separated, but you’ll both be able to see the children an even amount of time, and you’ll both share the responsibilities of raising them.

Unfortunately, if you’re serving in the military, it can be harder to reach a joint custody arrangement. After all, you’ll be moving around a lot, and joint custody requires you to live in close proximity to your ex for ease of transport. It’s important to talk to a lawyer to learn more about your options for custody, especially if your military service may complicate the issue.

Get in Touch with a Lawyer Today

A divorce can be messy, and you shouldn’t leave anything up to chance. Get in touch with a qualified divorce lawyer today, and don’t risk the rest of your career.