Carmel Military Divorce Lawyers

Navigating a divorce is challenging for any family, but for military service members and their spouses, the process is especially complex. It presents numerous unique hurdles, from determining where to file to figuring out whether military benefits are available after marriage. 

At Connell Michael, LLP, we stand ready to support and advocate for military families during divorce. Our co-managing partner, Attorney Erin L. Connell, is a former United States Air Force officer with firsthand knowledge of the military lifestyle and its demands. Her experience helps our team understand the specific challenges that service members and their families face, enabling us to create detailed strategies to address their needs and protect their futures.

Whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, or a service member's spouse, turn to our team of Carmel military divorce lawyers for the representation you deserve. Let us know how we can help you in a free in-person or virtual consultation. 

Start with Connell Michael, LLP by calling (317) 434-1061 or reaching out online. From Carmel, our legal team represents clients throughout the Indianapolis metro area, including Fishers, Zionsville, and Lawrence.

What Makes Military Divorces Different? 

While military divorces share similarities with civilian divorces, they also involve multiple legal and procedural differences. Below, we explore some of these essential distinctions. 

Jurisdiction & Where to File

One significant distinction is determining where to file for divorce. Service members are often stationed in locations far from their legal residence, which can complicate jurisdiction. 

Military families may have options to file in:

• The state where the spouse resides.
• The state where the service member is stationed.
• The state of legal residence or domicile for the service member.

Each option has different implications for property division, child custody, and spousal support, making it essential to choose the most favorable jurisdiction.

Division of Military Benefits

Military divorces often involve dividing unique assets, such as military pensions, Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs), and other retirement benefits. Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), state courts can treat military pensions as marital property and divide them accordingly. However, specific rules govern eligibility, distribution, and the timing of these assets, which makes the guidance of a knowledgeable military divorce lawyer vital. 

Custody & Visitation Challenges

Military families also face unique challenges related to child custody and visitation. Frequent relocations, deployments, and demanding schedules can make traditional custody arrangements difficult to implement. Plans often need to be flexible, accounting for temporary duty assignments or long-term overseas deployments.

Military-Specific Protections

Service members benefit from certain legal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can impact divorce proceedings. For example, active-duty service members may request a stay or delay in legal proceedings if their military obligations prevent them from participating fully.