Divorce is never an easy process to go through. However, it can be even more challenging when your spouse serves in the military and is stationed overseas.
If you find yourself dealing with a complex divorce with a military spouse who is overseas, hiring an experienced military divorce lawyer in Neptune Beach is recommended. At Griffin Family Law, our experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure your divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible.
The Unique Challenges of Divorcing an Overseas Military Spouse
Divorce is a challenging process in itself. However, having an overseas military spouse makes the process even more difficult. One of the major challenges that you face involves being able to communicate effectively throughout the proceedings.
It can be incredibly difficult for you to have a meaningful conversation with your spouse when they are stationed overseas. Dealing with different time zones and busy schedules can provide limited communication time.
Another challenge that frequently arises during these situations is having the ability to gather the necessary documents and information to proceed. You must have financial records and other legal documents when filing a divorce.
In some cases, you will need to have the signatures of both spouses on the documents that are filed. There are also cases where you must have your spouse present during the proceedings. This can be incredibly difficult when one spouse is thousands of miles away.
Although it may seem challenging to file a divorce with your military spouse overseas, it is essential that you do not lose hope. Our military divorce lawyer in Neptune Beach can protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
Steps to Take During the Divorce Proceedings
You can take several steps to ensure you experience the least complications possible throughout your divorce proceedings. These include:
Establish Communication
Given that you and your spouse are in different time zones, it can be difficult to find a time when both of you can communicate. This is something you need to work on early in the process.
Communicating with your spouse to determine when you will be available can allow you to maintain communication throughout the process. This ensures no missed deadlines and no lapses in your ability to share information.
Determine the Proper Jurisdiction
Unlike divorces involving two civilians, there are special residency requirements that apply to individuals serving in the military. You must establish the proper jurisdiction to ensure your divorce is filed in the proper location. Filing in the wrong jurisdiction can cost a lot of money and significantly delay the time it takes for your divorce to finalize. Our Florida family law attorney can help you determine the appropriate jurisdiction for your divorce.
Gather Records
Gathering financial records is important when dividing assets during the divorce proceedings. You must have copies of pay stubs, military pay statements, tax returns, and any joint bank account information.
Power of Attorney
If your spouse is willing, consider identifying someone who can represent your spouse as a power of attorney. This will ensure that documents are signed and filed appropriately and in a timely manner when your spouse may not be able to sign them for you physically. Having a power of attorney can streamline the divorce proceedings, particularly when the military spouse is overseas.
Finally, you must understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and how it may apply to your divorce. These laws specify that certain protections are in place for military members. It also defines situations where a spouse may be entitled to receive compensation on their military spouse’s behalf based on the time they have been married.
Working with a military divorce lawyer in Neptune Beach can be invaluable. Your attorney will be able to help you better understand applicable laws and help you protect your rights to assets and benefits during and after your divorce.
Call Our Florida Family Law Attorney Today
At Griffin Family Law, we understand that military divorces can be complex and challenging for both parties involved. This is particularly true in cases where a military spouse is overseas. For this reason, our Florida family law attorney is dedicated to providing professional representation specifically tailored to the needs of active duty service members and their families.
Our extensive knowledge of military law and Florida divorce laws allows us to navigate military personnel’s unique challenges during legal proceedings. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair resolution in your case.
If you or your spouse currently serve in the military and are facing a divorce, contact our family law attorney for trustworthy guidance and representation. Let our team at Griffin Family Law handle the complex legal process for you.
