Denver Military Divorce Attorneys

Colorado is a state that has long been home to many important bases for our armed forces. Often, people who serve here decide to stay in the state after completing their obligations. When these couples experience problems in their marriage and find themselves headed to divorce, it is extremely important that they work with a law firm that knows how to resolve the unique issues facing these families.

At GEM Family Law, our experienced divorce attorneys are proud to help military members and their spouses with their family law concerns. We know that this can be a difficult and stressful time for you, especially if you or your spouse is currently deployed. We will work hard to help you find peace of mind throughout your case, allowing you to make decisions that are in your best interests. From our offices in Denver, we help military couples throughout the state who have divorce and related family law questions.

Helping Military Families Find Solutions

Every divorce presents a different set of circumstances and challenges. When you work with our military divorce lawyers, you have a law firm that knows how to carefully evaluate the questions present in your case. Our lawyers develop customized strategies that help you resolve your family law matter as efficiently as possible, while working hard to protect what is most important to you. Some of the issues we can assist our clients with include:

• Property division, including the division of pension benefits
• Questions involving health insurance for non-military spouse
• Child custody or parenting time plans
• Issues regarding the residency of the parties in the divorce

Before you make any decisions about your divorce, you need to make sure you understand the impact of those decisions on your future. Our lawyers will take the time to answer your questions, and be by your side throughout the process. We are here to help your case move forward.

Assisting When One Spouse Is Deployed

Military divorces can become much more complicated when one spouse is on active duty in a location outside Colorado. Whether you are serving in the military or married to a military member on active duty, we can explain the various residency requirements for divorce in Colorado. We can review your case and determine if you are able to proceed with your divorce in this state or need to file elsewhere in order to keep your divorce moving. We can also help parents located in different states determine the appropriate parenting time arrangements for their specific situation.

Helping Retired Military Couples With Divorce

One of the most complicated issues that arises during a military divorce concerns the retirement benefits that the former military member has earned for his or her service. Our attorneys understand the complexities involved in helping with the division of these assets, and can offer detailed guidance throughout the process to help the former military member or spouse make the right decision for their case.

Experienced Attorneys Who Understand The Divorce Process

Whether your case can be resolved outside of the courtroom or needs to go to trial, our attorneys will be with you each step of the way. We want you to feel like you have a partner who is focused on helping you get through this process. Our attorneys work hard to put you in a position of success, and we have the experience you need to get results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Divorce

A military divorce can present unique challenges due to the interplay of federal and state laws. Below are some common questions regarding Colorado military divorces.

What are some of the things that make a military divorce unique?

These divorces often involve challenges that differ from civilian divorces. Factors to consider include:

• Residency issues: Military members may have legal residency in a state different from where they are stationed, complicating jurisdiction for filing.
• Deployment: If a service member is deployed, it can delay divorce proceedings, and affect communication and participation.
• Retirement benefits: Many service members have retirement assets that can be a source of conflict as they may be subject to division during the divorce under federal law (such as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act) and Colorado state law.

Understanding these unique aspects can help service members and families prepare for the complexities of a military divorce.

What about child custody in military divorces?

Child custody arrangements in military divorces are subject to the same state laws as civilian cases, but unique considerations arise. Important points include:

• Deployment and availability: A service member’s deployment may affect their ability to participate in custody arrangements and visitation schedules. It is important to plan for contingencies regarding military duties.
• Parenting plans: Courts will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody, and it may be beneficial to create a detailed parenting plan that addresses potential deployment and relocation issues.

Recognizing these considerations can help parents make informed decisions regarding custody during and after a military divorce.

What about retired military members?

Retired military members face distinct considerations during divorce that can affect their financial and personal circumstances. Divorce issues to keep in mind include:

• Division of retirement pay: Similar to active duty members, retired military personnel have retirement pay that may be divided during divorce. The specific terms of division depend on the length of service and the duration of the marriage.
• Survivor benefit plan: Retired service members may have options for providing benefits to their ex-spouse, which can be a critical factor in negotiations.
• Health benefits: Retired members may also need to consider the impact of divorce on their health benefits and eligibility for military-related health care programs.

Being aware of these factors can assist retired military personnel in managing the challenges of divorce and safeguarding their rights and interests throughout the process.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

There are often extremely complex issues that need to be addressed during a military divorce. Making the wrong choices without consulting an experienced military divorce lawyer can cause significant problems in the future. To learn more about your options, we invite you to contact our Denver office by calling 720-443-4892 or by sending us an email.