If you, your spouse, or both of you are in the military and have decided to divorce, you should use the services of military divorce lawyers. The reason is that a military divorce can be a very complicated legal matter that requires the knowledge of this type of lawyer. Although this type of divorce will follow the same procedures as a regular civilian divorce there are some intricacies that are different. These include retirement and military benefits, living arrangements that have to be dealt with separately, and the serving of divorce papers. Because civilian divorce lawyers do not understand the military laws that surround a military divorce is why you would need such a lawyer.
The military uses the same legal system as the civilian divorce proceeding do so there are no military judges or military divorce courts. There is one rule that is different in military divorces that is not in civilian divorces. Across the United States in most jurisdictions, the serving of divorce papers have to be made in person and within a certain amount of time but it is different with a military divorce. There are laws that will protect the member of the military if there is an unusual delay in the proceeding because they are not able to be served the papers or to attend the proceedings because of active duty.
To become such a lawyer you should know the particulars of all applicable federal and state laws that could apply to any divorce. State laws govern most divorces but with military divorces this is not entirely true. In regards to pensions, custody of children, military benefits, retirement, and child support or alimony there are some federal laws that will trump state laws. In rare cases, there are some portions of the hearing that may need to be heard by federal judges. If one or both members involved in the divorce are stationed overseas, there could be additional issues that pop up.
For military lawyers they do not need to be a member of any branch of the military. They are lawyers that specialize in divorce, specifically military divorce. To become a military lawyer you need to have a bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from a law school that is accredited, and pass the Bar Association examination. You will also need experience working as a divorce attorney or have a job working with a law firm that specializes in divorce. The last thing you need is an understanding of all issues that are involved with a military divorce.
To be admitted to a good law school you have to have had a high grade point average throughout your bachelor degree program and pass the admissions test