Military Divorce
Military divorce is a special area of the law because there are laws that apply only to divorces where one person is in the military. We represent military personnel and their spouses in Southern California and throughout the world when the matter is in Riverside or San Bernardino County.
Each attorney in our firm has received specific training in military divorce. We are able to handle the legal issues and the emotional difficulties involved in a long-distance divorce (including issues that arise from deployment of one or both of the parties). For more information about military divorce, contact us We can help you get through this difficult time. We have offices in downtown Riverside and Old Town Temecula.
Special Issues For Divorces Involving Active Military Personnel
Active duty military personnel must consent to the service of a summons and a divorce petition. The Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA) (formerly known as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940) makes it difficult to personally serve papers on anyone on active duty without their consent. Depending on where the military person is stationed, serving papers may also be prohibited by local law.
Our law firm is able to handle a military divorce wherever the parties are located as long as the case may be filed in Riverside or San Bernardino.
It is challenging to obtain a divorce from an active duty service member. Because our law firm has the experience and understanding of the applicable laws, we can accomplish your goals as quickly as possible under the limitations imposed by federal regulations.
We use our technological and other resources to keep the case moving as fast as possible within the limitations imposed by military and federal law. We handle communication with our long-distance clients by using email, telephone and fax to move the proceedings through California family courts.
Division Of Retired Or Reserve Military Personnel Benefits
We are very familiar with the requirements of the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA), the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and military disability pay regulations. These laws govern how military pensions and benefits can be divided in a divorce.
For any family law matter related to divorce, contact a California lawyer at Cullen & Murphy. We know that getting divorced while in the military, child custody issues and the financial uncertainty of military life can take its toll. We are sensitive to the emotional cost of a military divorce and offer supportive representation that can help you get through this difficult time.