Divorcing someone in the military: Basic questions and answers

Service members who are divorcing have extra protection under the law.  This explains those protections. 

This is for both service members and non-service members.  

Generally, the law protects a respondent spouse in any civil case who is or will soon be on active military duty.  This includes reservists and National Guard members on active duty.  The court can postpone (put off) or suspend (stop) hearings until the service member can take part.

The law aims to help service members give full attention to their duties. It may limit the court's ability to make orders permanently adversely affecting the service member's rights.  

• State and federal laws give service members this extra protection.  The state law is the Service Members Civil Relief Act, RCW (Revised Code of Washington) Ch. 38.42. The federal law is the Service Members Civil Relief Act of March 4, 1918, as amended, 50 U.S.C. App., 501 et.seq. (Federal law).

If the service member's military service "materially affects" their ability to take part in a court case, the court must wait until the service member is available. If a spouse cannot get to a hearing due to military service, and the outcome depends on their participation, the court can postpone the hearing.

Usually, the court will still make temporary decisions about parental rights and responsibilities, and child support, without the service member, to protect the children's best interest.

Useful Expressions:

• "Petitioner" (or "Plaintiff") is the person starting the court case.
• "Respondent" (or "Defendant") is the person being served with court papers (being sued).
• A "waiver" is when you agree to give up something you are otherwise entitled to.  You are "waiving your right" to something.

Yes.  You must try to find out before when filing for divorce.

You can:

• Check scra.dmdc.osd.mil.  
• Contact the Defense Manpower Data Center, 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400, Attn: Military Verification, Arlington, VA  22209-2593
  Phone (703) 696-6762, or 5790, fax (703) 696-4156. (include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope)

If you tried, but cannot find out if your spouse is on active duty, you must file an affidavit with the court explaining this.

Normally if Respondent has not filed anything by the deadline to respond, you can seek a "default judgment."  You ask for final orders giving you everything your original court papers asked for.  A judge will usually grant a default judgment if Respondent has not responded by the deadline.

Before a judge can enter a default judgment against a Respondent on active duty, the judge must appoint a lawyer to represent Respondent's interests. Often the judge will delay granting final divorce orders until the service member can get leave and come to court.

If the other party is, or may soon be, on active military duty, when you serve them with your divorce papers, ask them to sign a special Waiverform.  If your spouse is willing to give up their special legal protections, your spouse must sign the form and return it to you or file it with the court.  If your spouse will not do this, see a lawyer. 

No. If you agree on all the issues, you can waive your rights to delays in the case by signing a written waiver in front of a notary public.  You must have the waiver form filed with the court.  If you think you want this, see a lawyer specializing in military law or a JAG attorney for more info.  This locator can help you find the nearest local military legal assistance office.

• If you sign the waiver form, you are giving up protections under this law.

Yes. All military personnel have a responsibility to support their children. Even without a court order, you can contact your military spouse's commanding officer to help arrange payments.

Use this military online locator service to find your spouse.  The more info you enter, the better your chances of finding your spouse.  You can also find your spouse by mail or by phone.

(Army) Commander
U.S. Army Enlisted Records & Evaluation Center
ATTN: Locator
8899 East 56th St.
Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN 46249-5301
1-866-771-6357

(Navy) World Wide Locator
Bureau of Naval Personnel
BUPERS-07 Customer Service Center
5720 Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-3120

Marines:
Headquarters US Marine Corps Personnel
Management Support Branch (Mmsb-17)
2008 Elliot Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5030
1-703-784-3941, 3942, or 3943

Air Force:   HQ AFPC/DP1ORM
550 C Street, West, Suite 50
Joint Base San Antonio
Randolph, TX 78150-4752
1-210-565-2660