No couple wants to imagine that their marriage won’t last, but with estimates of as many as half of first marriages in the U.S. ending in divorce, the possibility certainly exists. For members of the armed services, the hardships associated with military duty can only compound the issues that married couples encounter, making military divorces an inevitable occurrence, too. Because both federal and state laws may affect military divorces, they can be complicated cases to handle.

Ellmann & Ellmann can provide you with representation by qualified Colorado military divorce attorneys. Your own well-being and that of your family can be drastically affected by the choices you make during a divorce proceeding. You need informed representation by professionals who have well-established capabilities in handling the sometimes unusual circumstances that can arise when military marriages end. The military divorce lawyers at Ellmann & Ellmann have the experience to advise you knowledgeably.

Jurisdiction can be an issue in military divorces. Even though you’ve been stationed at a military facility in Colorado, you may not be considered a resident of the state. Your spouse’s residence may be a factor; and if you claim to be a resident of another state, jurisdiction for divorce actions can be influenced. To determine if you can file for divorce in Colorado, consult an attorney who is versed in military divorce matters.

Authority over military benefits such as pensions and retirement benefits falls under the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Essentially, DFAS is the accounting arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. The agency also oversees military pay transactions, health benefits, travel payments and more. An experienced military divorce attorney can explain the formulas set up by federal law to recognize a spouse’s entitlement to military retirement and healthcare benefits. It is especially important to seek competent legal advice regarding these financial matters because time limits and other factors can affect eligibility.

With active-duty military personnel deployed overseas for extended periods of time, it is natural that spouses may want to initiate divorce proceedings before the deployment ends. However, legislation known as the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act can enable a member of the service to delay some civil court proceedings until he or she is able to return to the U.S. and appear in court. Such provisions can affect the timing of divorce actions.

If you are contemplating a military divorce, call the Colorado military divorce lawyers at Ellmann & Ellmann for reputable advice. Our attorneys are sensitive to the fact that a divorce decision is not easy and that you are facing a confusing and upsetting process. We offer you a confidential consultation with no obligation. Understanding your rights and the laws that apply to your case can help you make better decisions for yourself and for the family members who depend on you. Call the Denver military divorce attorneys at Ellmann & Ellmann at (303) 814-2600 . You can also contact our firm via e-mail for more information.

Divorces in the Armed Forces

All branches

  • · 25,750 divorces
  • · Divorce rate: 3.4%

Marine Corps

  • · 3,077 divorces
  • · Divorce rate: 3.7%

Army

  • · 10,200 divorces
  • · Divorce rate: 3.5%

Air Force

  • · 7,032 divorces
  • · Divorce rate: 3.5%

Navy

  • · 5,441 divorces
  • · Divorce rate: 3%

In comparison, the annual divorce rate in the U.S. is 3.5 per 1,000 population, according to latest available data.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention