Military divorces for lawyers who were never in the military can be disastrous for the clients. Without actual experience in the military – including knowledge of the special legal issues involved in the military as well as the staggering amount of acronyms involved in military-speak – a civilian attorney simply cannot give you the representation you need in your divorce case. A Mankato military divorce lawyer from our firm can assist you in all divorce matters and help you understand your available options.
The Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., has the attorneys you need to help with a military divorce. Our founding partner, Jason Kohlmeyer, Mankato military divorce attorney, has military experience and has handled numerous military divorce cases as well. We have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of some of the more common military divorce issues listed below.
We understand all of the complications and little wrinkles brought into play in a divorce that involves military service members. The different laws applying to the military will affect every aspect of the divorce, from child custody, parenting time, child support and grandparents’ rights. We can help.
Serving in the military can put stress on a servicemember and their family. In the event of a divorce, there are some unique challenges and issues that should be considered and addressed. Our Mankato attorneys understand the complexities and nuances of military divorce. Here’s what military members and military spouses should know about marital separation in Minnesota.
As a starting point, it is important to recognize that military divorces share many commonalities with nonmilitary divorces. This is not to say that there are no differences – indeed, we will discuss some of the most important differences below – but, in a military divorce, many of the rules, standards, and procedures are the same as they are in any civilian divorce. For example, the grounds for divorce are the same and the best interests of the child standard still apply to any related custody case.
One of the most important differences between a military divorce and a civilian divorce is that civil proceedings must be postponed pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the SCRA, a divorce cannot proceed against a military member who is on active duty deployment. In this situation, divorce or family law proceedings will typically be postponed until a military member’s deployment is over.
To file for divorce in Minnesota, you or your spouse must be a resident of the state. That being said, the residency requirements are somewhat relaxed for military members. If you or your spouse is stationed in Minnesota, you may be eligible to file for divorce in the state – even without a permanent address off the base.
Of course, dividing property and assets is one of the biggest challenges facing any couple that is going through a divorce. For military members, dividing assets can be even more complicated. Your divorce may be affected by the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). Under the USFSPA, certain military benefits – most importantly, a military pension – may be subject to distribution. Our Mankato, Minnesota, military divorce lawyers will carefully review your assets and liabilities, including all military benefits. In doing so, we will ensure that you understand how the law works and we will take proactive measures to protect your financial interests.
At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., our Mankato military divorce lawyers are skilled, passionate advocates for our clients. We have attorneys on staff with military experience, and we have handled a number of complex military divorce cases.
If you are preparing for divorce, we will protect your rights and help you find the best available solutions. Contact our legal team for a confidential consultation. We represent clients in Mankato and all over Southern Minnesota, including in Blue Earth County, Nicollet County and Le Sueur County.
