Charleston Military Divorce Lawyer

Helping Members of Our Military Achieve Divorce or Separation

Contrary to popular belief, the military does not have direct laws governing the divorce proceedings of military personnel. The expression "military divorce" is a phrase commonly used to describe the civil divorce proceedings involving at least one military spouse. However, armed forces do have statutes detailing how retirement pay is to be divided, if an ex-spouse can continue to receive health insurance, and when and if an active-duty service member can be served during deployment.

When you factor in that many basic family issues are more complicated for a military family, a divorce can be a very complex process. At Shaw Law Firm, LLC, we are extensively experienced in handling military divorces. Our Charleston military divorce lawyer has an in-depth knowledge of the procedures that must be followed and the common difficulties that may arise. If you are serving in the armed forces and wish to divorce, we can provide the astute legal counsel you need to legally proceed. If you need a military divorce attorney near you, reach out to our Charleston divorce law firm.

When active members of the military wish to divorce, the first question that must be answered is what state will have jurisdiction over the proceedings. This is a crucial decision because almost all the important issues, such as property division and child custody, will be governed by the statutes of that state.

In South Carolina, residents may file for divorce in our state if one of the spouses is a resident of or is currently stationed in the state. If the spouses are both active military members and are stationed at different bases, the matter can get exceedingly complicated.

Some military members who are stationed overseas may wish to file in the country they are located, due to the promises of a speedy and cost-effective resolution. However, it is important to note that U.S. courts may not honor the terms of a foreign divorce, particularly in matters of a retirement pay division order.

If you are seeking to file for divorce in South Carolina, our experienced military divorce lawyer in Charleston can describe in detail how our state's laws will impact your proceedings. Shaw Law Firm, LLC can also provide the assertive representation you need if your spouse wishes to file elsewhere. Call our lawyer to learn how to file for a military divorce in South Carolina.