Do you feel that your military service has strained your marriage to a breaking point? Are you afraid that your spouse could use your deployment against you in a custody case? If so, you deserve to have your rights protected, as you have protected the people of our nation.
Serving Those Who Serve Our Country
New London military divorce lawyer Bruce Chamberlain has been practicing family law since 1984. He has helped a number of servicemen and women stationed at the Naval Submarine Base and those who serve in the Coast Guard. He understands how difficult military life can be — moving around constantly, deployments, uncertainty. As your attorney, he will fight to protect you throughout your divorce.
Representing Servicemen and Women, and Civilian Spouses
Our Connecticut firm recognized that a military career puts stress on both spouses. That is why we are happy to handle cases on behalf of service members as well as civilian spouses of service members. We work to achieve positive outcomes on all issues involved, which may include:
- Child custody, visitation and child support
- Custody issues involving international law
- Spousal support/alimony
- Division of military retirement benefits
A Note About Property Division in Military Divorces
Dividing military pensions and other benefits can be a contentious issue. These benefits are very valuable and both spouses often feel entitled to them. There are, fortunately, some rules that govern the issue:
- 20/20/20 rule — If the marriage lasted 20 years or more, a spouse was in the military for 20 years or more, and the marriage and military career overlapped for 20 years or more, then a former military spouse is entitled to full military benefits.
- 20/20/15 rule — If the marriage lasted 20 years or more, a spouse was in the military for 20 years or more, and the marriage and military career overlapped for 15-19 years, then the former military spouse receives "transitional benefits," which last one year.
- 20/20/10 rule — If the marriage lasted 20 years or more, a spouse was in the military for 20 years or more, the marriage and service overlapped for 10 years or more, and the spouse was a victim of domestic abuse, then full military benefits may be a possibility.
Questions About Military Pension Benefits and Divorce? Our Connecticut Lawyer Can Help.
If you would like to speak with an attorney about military divorce, call Bruce A. Chamberlain in New London at (860) 440-2846 or send him an email. We serve clients throughout Connecticut and those stationed overseas.
