Forty-One Percent.

That is what some researchers estimate as to the percent of divorces among first marriages. While this statistic ranges depending upon your source, the key takeaway is that not all marriages will remain intact and divorce is how you dissolve the marriage.

Marital problems are statistically more likely for people on some career paths over others. A close look at divorce rates among individuals at age 30 shows that military jobs are among 3 of the top 10 spots, according to Zippia. The military divorce rate averages between 15-30%, according to this research.

Why is Divorce so Prevalent in the Military?

Some of the commonly cited reasons for divorce are stress and trauma caused by active duty, reintegrating the military spouse to “home” life, periods of long separation during deployments, and frequent home moves. There are also many cultural traditions that place a high value on marriage in the military, which can sometimes lead to a rush to the altar.

Getting a Military Divorce in Texas

Filing for a military divorce, just like a regular divorce, begins in the state where the spouse has a legal residence. The federal law that governs military pensions is the “Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act” (USFSPA). This law accomplishes two things: It recognizes the right of state courts to distribute military retired pay to a spouse or former spouse; and it provides a method of enforcing these orders through the Department of Defense.

Consult with a family law attorney if you are considering a military divorce. Areas of consideration and discussion may include:

• 
  Child support. It is determined by state law. Learn more about the specifics for Texas by reading our article Child Custody and Relocation for Military Service Members.
  
• Healthcare benefits. If you are a military spouse, rather than the service member, then you may choose between TRICARE and Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP).
• Retirement Savings. Service members may contribute to a Thrift Savings Plan during their active service, which works similarly to a 401k or an IRA.
• Military Pensions. Dealing with military pensions in a divorce is complicated. This is where the support of an experienced family law attorney who understands dividing military retired pay is vital.

Capps Law Firm exclusively practices in family law, so we can provide the depth of expertise your case demands. We handle military family law cases that involve:

• Dissolutions and Divorce — Our law firm is skilled in guiding clients through the myriad of legal and personal challenges associated with ending a relationship.

• Child Custody and Visitation — Whether the matter is ultimately resolved in a conference room or a courtroom, we are ready to advocate for our clients’ parental rights and interests every step of the way.

• Complex Property Division — We will do everything we can to make sure that our clients end up on the strongest financial footing possible.

Notice
This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Its purpose is to educate the public about the topic of family law for military families in Texas. This article should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information.