Divorce is notoriously rocky. There are so many moments when things can become contentious and a number of issues that bring up complicated or strong emotions. With issues involving children, finances, and primary residences – it’s easy to see how divorce can spiral into a series of arguments. Many of these issues are even more complicated in a soldier divorce.
A soldier divorce must also take into account living on a military base, deployment, military pensions, and sharing custody in the event of a transfer out of Montgomery County. So, it is natural that anyone facing a soldier divorce, either as an active duty service person or a spouse, would want to find some ways to have a smoother soldier divorce. As one of the top-rated military divorce law firms in the area, our team at Surber, Asher, Surber & Moushon, PPLC, can help.
#1: Consider a Parenting Plan
One of the trickiest aspects of a soldier divorce is shared custody of children. There are geographical and timing obstacles in a soldier divorce that just don’t exist in a civilian divorce, and navigating these complexities is a challenge for servicemen, servicewomen, and their former spouses.
A parenting plan can help set the expectations for shared custody and handling complications in a soldier divorce. Even more important to the divorce process, a parenting plan helps parents identify the potential areas of disagreement. For instance, a parenting plan will force parents to consider where, how, and when hand-off from one parent to another should occur.
#2: Write Out Your Biggest Priorities for a Soldier Divorce
Everyone has different expectations and goals when it comes to a soldier divorce. Some people are looking for the fastest and easiest way to make a break with their former spouse, other people are very concerned with the status of their military benefits and income after a divorce is finalized.
How can you identify what is important to you? Write it down. Not only will lists help you organize your thoughts and concerns about the process and outcome of a soldier divorce, but these notes are also really helpful for your military divorce lawyer. With your priorities in mind, your lawyer can be a better advocate and negotiator during the divorce proceedings.
#3: Communication During Your Soldier Divorce
Clear, straightforward, unemotional communication is key to any type of divorce. Whether you are a military family in Montgomery County or a celebrity in Los Angeles, communication with your divorce lawyer, former spouse, and the court will make your divorce a much easier process. Good communication is also important if you want your divorce proceeding to move quickly.
#4: Seek Informed Advice Early On
If you wait until there is a dispute to seek legal advice, it is far more difficult to smooth over the divorce process. There are already points of disagreement and tension between the parties; likely you’ve already had one or more altercations with your former spouse. Turning back the clock is impossible and those disagreements will follow you through the rest of a soldier divorce.
Instead, talk to a divorce lawyer in Montgomery County before you even file with the court. A lawyer specialized in military divorce can help you navigate special circumstances of a soldier divorce, such as the best place to file for divorce and how to handle a potential deployment. As well, a military lawyer can also handle the issues common to any divorce proceeding. You won’t be blindsided by complications and will have a better strategy to achieve the outcome you want.
Hire the Right Soldier Divorce Lawyer
A soldier divorce is unique in a number of ways (we even wrote a blog post on some of them), and you need the right lawyer to help you through the possible complications and points of contention that are common in a military divorce. Uncertain where to find the right lawyer for your case? Start right here, by calling Surber, Asher, Surber & Moushon, PLLC. You can always reach us at (615) 997-1908.
