Get Help from an Experienced Jacksonville Beach Military Divorce Lawyer

Based on her experience as a Jacksonville Beach military divorce lawyer, Heather B. Quick knows that military marriages undergo more stresses than civilian unions, and unfortunately, in some cases, divorce is the result. These cases require not only expertise in the areas of child support, child custody, visitation rights, spousal support, and asset division, but also knowledge of the specific rules that must be followed for military divorces.

Heather has extensive experience dealing with the special circumstances that military families face in a Jacksonville Beach military divorce and approaches each case with the compassion, sensitivity, and dedication needed to help you make a smooth transition to the next stage of your life.

Jacksonville Beach Military Lawyer on Military Benefits after Divorce

If you are the spouse of a man or woman in the military, Florida divorce attorney Heather B. Quick can answer your questions about what benefits you will continue to have after the divorce. As a spouse of a military member, you have also done a service for our country and deserve to receive benefits for that service. How much you are entitled to depends on how many years your spouse was in the service, how many years you were married, and how many years of marriage overlap your spouse’s service. In most cases, you will be entitled to a portion of the military retirement, but what about health insurance and commissary benefits?

The 20/20/20 Rule for Jacksonville Beach Military Divorce

If you have been married for at least 20 years, your spouse has been in the military for at least 20 years, and your 20 years of marriage overlap 20 years of your spouse’s service, then you will be entitled to the same full benefits as your spouse, such as medical, commissary, base exchange, and theater. If you are currently covered by an employer-sponsored health care plan, then you will not be covered, but if you ever lose this plan, you can have the military medical care benefits reinstated. However, if you ever remarry, you will lose eligibility for the benefits.

The 20/20/15 Rule for Jacksonville Beach Military Divorce

If you have been married for at least 20 years, your spouse has been in the military for at least 20 years, and your 15 years of marriage overlap your spouse’s years of service, then you will be entitled to health care benefits for another year after your divorce is finalized. If you are currently covered by an employer-sponsored health care plan, then you will not be covered, but if you lose this plan during the year after your divorce, you can have the military medical care benefits reinstated – but they will not be reinstated beyond the original one year entitlement.

If You or Your Spouse Are on Active Duty

By law, divorce proceedings may be postponed for the period of time when the active service member is on duty and up to 60 days afterwards. This is to protect military members from being divorced without their knowledge. However, the active duty spouse can waive this right if he or she would like to.

These are just a few of the special issues that arise in a military divorce. It is in your best interest to hire someone who has specific knowledge and experience in this area to ensure that your rights are protected. Get a free consultation today from Jacksonville Beach military divorce attorney Heather B. Quick to get the help you need.