COLORADO MILITARY DIVORCE ATTORNEY

Comprehensive Legal Support for Military Divorce in Denver

The demands of military service can present unique challenges to those facing divorce or parental rights actions in Colorado, especially while one is serving in a foreign theater. The Colorado military divorce attorney at Harris Law Firm has worked with numerous current and former members of the armed services, and we understand what it takes to manage a family while also serving our great nation. Our military family law attorneys in Colorado are skilled counselors, negotiators, and litigators, and we will ensure that your interests and the interests of your children are protected.

Call (303) 622-5502 to discover how we can support your military divorce needs in Colorado.

The Challenges Involving Military Divorces

Military divorce refers to the process of legally ending a marriage between one or both spouses who are active-duty military service members or veterans. These divorces involve unique challenges and considerations due to the military lifestyle and the intersection of federal and state laws.

Here are the main challenges associated with military divorce:

• Jurisdiction Issues: Determining which state has the authority to handle the divorce can be challenging, especially if the military service members are stationed in different states or countries. Federal laws like the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) come into play. These laws help establish rules for where the divorce can be filed, and often military divorces are filed in the state where the service member claims legal residence.
• Deployment and Relocation: Military service members frequently face the possibility of deployment, reassignment, or frequent moves. This can complicate divorce proceedings, especially when addressing child custody and visitation arrangements. Provisions need to be made for how custody and visitation will be handled during deployments and relocations.
• Military Benefits: Dividing military retirement benefits, healthcare benefits, and other entitlements like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) can be intricate. The USFSPA governs the division of military retirement pay, and the calculation and distribution of these benefits require a deep understanding of federal regulations.
• Temporary Duty Assignments: Military service members often have temporary duty assignments (TDY) or deployments, which can impact their ability to participate fully in divorce proceedings. Legal challenges may arise in serving divorce papers or participating in court hearings during these periods.
• Spousal Support: Determining spousal support or alimony can be a contentious issue. The length of the marriage, the financial situation of each spouse, and the availability of military benefits all play a role in determining the amount and duration of spousal support.
• Property Division: Military divorces involve the division of not only standard marital property but also military-specific assets, such as pensions, housing allowances, and other military benefits. The division of these assets can be complicated, and understanding federal regulations is crucial.
• Child Custody & Visitation - Creating a parenting plan and determining custody is already a difficult matter but is amplified when one parent is on active duty and may be serving overseas. Parenting plans can and should be developed to take into account a serving parent’s extended time away from home and the consequences of performing difficult missions.
• Military Regulations: Military regulations may affect aspects of divorce, such as how housing allowances are calculated or how health benefits are provided to former spouses after divorce. Familiarity with these regulations is essential to ensure that both parties' rights are protected.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Military life often involves long separations, the stress of deployments, and the strain of frequent relocations. These challenges can contribute to emotional and psychological stress, which may impact the divorce process and the well-being of all family members involved.
• Timing and Pace: Military divorces can be more time-consuming due to the unique challenges they present. The court may need to work around the military service member's schedule, which can extend the duration of the divorce proceedings.

Protecting Your Rights in Military Divorce Proceedings

Both sides in a military divorce have an interest in resolving these issues in a reasonable manner so as to avoid adversely impacting security clearances and promotions. Our military divorce attorneys in Colorado understand the unique stressors for military families and are prepared to guide you to a favorable conclusion of your divorce.

When you choose The Harris Law Firm, you benefit from our:

• Specialized Expertise: Our attorneys have extensive experience in military divorce cases. We understand the unique challenges that military life brings and have a comprehensive knowledge of Colorado family law and federal regulations.
• Tailored Solutions: We work closely with each client to develop customized strategies to address their specific needs and goals, whether it's related to child custody, property division, or spousal support.
• Compassionate Support: We understand that military divorces can be emotionally taxing. Our attorneys are here to provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the entire legal process.
• Timely Communication: We prioritize open and transparent communication with our clients, keeping you informed at every step of your case.

If you are a service member or are the spouse of a service member, and have a Colorado family law matter, let us be of assistance to you. Please call The Harris Law Firm and schedule your consultation today with our dedicated military divorce team at (303) 622-5502.