Military families often have a unique set of circumstances in a separation. In recent years, the divorce rate in military families has been rising, due in no small part to the stresses of military life and multiple deployments. Issues such as:
- custody
- support
- visitiation
- changes in duty stations
- benefits
- retirement
can pose a unique set of problems for military families that are not found with non-military clients.
With over 20 years of first hand experience as a military family member, attorney Patricia A. Gregory understands the specific concerns of members of the Armed Forces and the individual issues of the military family. She has helped Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel stationed at Camp Pendleton, Miramar Marine Air Station, USCG Air Station in San Diego and the Navy bases on Point Loma and Coronado Island with a multitude of family law-related issues.
A major issue with many military divorces is the "move away." Due to regular changes in duty stations, a military family faces relocation issues on a much more frequent basis. It is important to understand the current law in the state of California before moving.
Service men and women have certain Congressionally protected rights that are not granted to their civilian counterparts. Active duty members can, at the discretion of the court, stay their divorce proceedings until the active duty ends and 60 days thereafter. The Servicemembers Act also prevents the active duty serviceperson from being held in "default" in some circumstances for not responding to the divorce proceeding.
Spouses of military personell also have certain legal protections under the law regarding retirement payments, depending on the length of the marriage.
Contact our office today for a free half hour consultation regarding your military family questions.