There is no doubt that our servicemen and women who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other locations around the world, are performing a service that can never be measured or repaid. I have the greatest appreciation for these brave heroes. Unfortunately, we know the battles that members of the armed forces face do not end when they leave enemy territory. Depression, post traumatic stress disorder, long separations and readjustment to civilian life all take their toll on military families. The sad truth is that the military divorce rate is higher than that for the general population.
In 2007, 3.7% of married Marines got divorced, up 0.4% from the previous year. For the Army population, the numbers rose from 3.3% to 3.5% in the same time period. The numbers constitute the highest divorce rate in sixteen years. And, veterans’ groups believe these statistics underestimate the divorce rate as they don’t account for divorces that occur after a husband or wife leaves the service or marriages that are on the brink of dissolution.
Military divorces involve factors that are not usually found in civilian situations. According to Texas law, divorce proceedings may be placed on hold for the entirety of a deployment and sixty days after the soldier’s return home. Federal laws will not divide property to a military’s members spouse unless the marriage has lasted for at least ten years of active duty. Lengthy time spent overseas can be used as an argument when determining parental custody rights.
If you are in the military or a military spouse and you believe your circumstances have led to the need for a divorce, you need to make sure that you are aware of the laws that apply specifically to you and you need to speak to a Austin military divorce lawyer, a Houston military divorce attorney or San Antonio Military divorce lawyer. With large military bases such as Fort Hood and Fort Bliss located in Texas, the divorce attorneys at Bertolino LLP have a great deal of experience in this area. We also have divorce attorneys who practice in Killeen and Harker Heights. Please make an appointment with one of our military divorce attorneys at our Austin, Houston, or San Antonio office today to discuss your situation.
Contact a Texas Lawyer at Bertolino LLP
Bertolino LLP maintains offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. To reach an attorney in the Austin office, call 512-717-5432. For the San Antonio office, call 210-247-9907. For the Houston office, call 713-357-2467. You may also contact the firm by e-mail.
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