Philadelphia Military Divorce Lawyers
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has numerous military installations with an estimated 56,000 personnel stationed throughout Pennsylvania. Service members who serve our country and are on active duty face unique legal needs when it comes to family law issues such as divorce, child support, child custody, and division of military pensions. Going through a divorce or separation is never easy— even when it is amicable and for the best. Being thousands of miles away on a deployment or temporary duty can make it even more stressful.
If you are or have been an active duty service member in the U.S. Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard and have family law needs in the Philadelphia five county area, you should consult with a Philadelphia family law firm experienced in handling military family law and military divorce matters.
Family Law Issues Active Duty Military Members May Face
Both male and female service members go through the same type of family law issues civilians go through. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child support
- Child custody
- Paternity
- Spousal support
- Division of marital assets
- Division of marital debt
- Division of military pensions
Protection Under The Service Members Civil Relief Act
The Service Members Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. The SCRA prohibits certain civil lawsuits from proceeding while the service member is deployed. A court can delay legal proceedings for the time that the service member is on active duty and for up to 60 days following active duty.
Whether you were never married to the other parent, or are going through a divorce or separation, you should consult with a civilian attorney before you go on a tour to address any custody matters or previously entered orders. The SCRA does not always protect active duty military members who are deployed if appropriate child custody matters have not been dealt with prior to the deployment.
Being an active duty military member presents unique situations. You should speak with a family law attorney who handles military family law issues to discuss how to protect your rights, your interests, and your family.
To learn more about military divorce, please contact the The Law Office of Erik B. Jensen by dialing (215) 546-4700.
Jensen Bagnato, P.C. serve those stationed at The Charles E. Kelly Support Facility, Fort Indiantown Gap, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Letterkenny Army Depot, Carlisle Barracks, Navy Ships Control Center, Willow Grove NAS, Fifth Coast Guard District, BSU Portsmouth, Sector Baltimore and Sector Delaware Bay.
