1. Gather all important documents.
The first step in getting a military divorce is to gather all important documents. This includes copies of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth and death certificates, and any other legal documents related to your marriage and divorce.
2. Notify your command.
Notifying your command is an important part of the military divorce process. You will need to provide your commanding officer with a copy of the divorce decree and a letter explaining that you are no longer married.
3. Determine child custody and support arrangements.
Determining child custody and support arrangements can be one of the most difficult parts of a military divorce. If you have children, you will need to come to an agreement on who will have custody, how much child support will be paid, and how medical and educational expenses will be divided. If you are unable to agree on these issues, the court will make a decision for you.
4. File for divorce.
To file for a military divorce, you will need to complete and file Form DD-214, Request for Separation or Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States. You will also need to file a Petition for Divorce, which can be obtained from your local court clerk's office. Be sure to complete all the required forms correctly and completely, or your divorce may not be approved.
5. Deal with the property division.
In most cases, property division is handled as part of the divorce proceedings. However, there are some cases where it must be handled separately. This includes property that was acquired during the marriage but is not considered marital property (such as gifts or inheritance). It is important to discuss property division with your spouse and come up with an agreement that both of you can live with. If you are unable to agree, the court will make a decision for you.
6. Address alimony and spousal support.
Alimony and spousal support can be contentious issues in any divorce, but it can be especially complicated in a military divorce. There are many factors that the court will consider when determining whether alimony should be awarded and how much it should be worth. If you are seeking alimony or want to contest an alimony award, it is important to speak with an attorney who specializes in family law.
7. Finalize the divorce.
Once all of the necessary paperwork has been filed and all agreements have been reached, the final step is in.