Maintaining a healthy marriage can be difficult for any couple. This is particularly true with those involving military members. While there are plenty of incentives for tying the knot among enlisted men and women, these couples often face additional problems that put a strain on their relationship. Depending on the situation, military divorce may be the best available option. The following are among the most commonly cited reasons.
- Frequent Transfers
According to the United Service Organizations (USO), military families move an average of once every two to three years. Some enlisted men and women are required to transfer even more often, which can be difficult for their family members. It is particularly tough for children. The USO reports that it is not uncommon for military kids to have moved ten or more times before reaching their teens.
- Being Forced To Give Up A Career
Frequent moves make it hard for a non-military spouse to establish themselves in a career. In many cases, they finally get themselves settled in a new job when they are forced to resign. In addition to stifling their ambitions and their confidence on the job, this can significantly impact their wages.
- Long Deployments
Studies from the University of Florida indicate long deployments are one of the most common factors in military divorces. In addition to the loneliness each partner faces while apart, there is typically a difficult and lengthy adjustment period once they get home. Each partner can get so used to making decisions or engaging in activities on their own that they have trouble working together as a couple.
- Extra-Marital Affairs
One of the biggest hazards of spending so much time apart is that it makes extra-marital affairs more likely to happen. These are common both on the part of military members as well as for the spouse left behind at home.
- Changing Goals
Life on base and in military housing requires certain adjustments, as does having a military career in general. While both parties may have been on-board with the idea at first, changing goals on the part of the military member or their spouse can make the lifestyle unbearable.
- Mental Health Problems
Military members are often exposed to extreme violence and put in terrifying conditions on a regular basis. According to Everyday Health, as many as 20 percent or more end up suffering from increased anxiety, panic attacks, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result. This places a heavy burden on the relationship, particularly if the spouse refuses to seek help.
- Domestic Violence
According to a 2019 report by the Military Times, domestic violence is a problem in more than 15 percent of military marriages. If this is occurring in your relationship, seek help immediately.
Contact Us Today for Help
Facing the prospect of a military divorce is a confusing and stressful experience. To get the trusted legal guidance you need in this situation, call or contact Fort Lauderdale military divorce attorney Vanessa L. Prieto online and request a confidential consultation today.
Resources:
militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/09/18/is-military-domestic-violence-a-forgotten-crisis/
everydayhealth.com/ptsd/military-statistics-causes-treatment-more/
https://www.vanessaprietolaw.com/four-common-issues-in-military-divorce-2/
By Vanessa Prieto | Posted on March 23, 2020
FAQs
Perhaps the most obvious culprit is the deployments. Soldiers can be stationed for months, even years, at a time before returning home. This puts unimaginable strain on a marriage, with long bouts of loneliness. In addition to that loneliness, studies have shown that couples often struggle to readjust after deployment.
What is the 10 10 rule for military divorce? ›
Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), the 10/10 rule governs the method of payment. At least ten years of marriage overlapping at least ten years of military service is needed for direct payment from the retired pay center, usually the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
Why do most military marriages fail? ›
Stress and Anxiety
Acccording to a 2021 Survey of military spouses, 44% have seen a counselor during their spouse's time on active duty. It's no wonder–the constant stress and anxiety associated with military life can take a toll on a person, which can ultimately lead to a strain on the relationship.
What does a military wife get in divorce? ›
What is a military spouse entitled to in a divorce? A military spouse is entitled to the same fair division of property as a civilian spouse. Depending on the circ*mstances, the court may also order alimony and/or child support. However, there are some special rules applied due to military benefits.
What military job has the highest divorce rate? ›
According to military statistics, the overall divorce rate for servicemembers was roughly 3% in 2019. Both the Air Force and the Marine Corps have the highest rate of divorces at 3.3%. The Navy had the lowest divorce rate at an average of 2.8%.
Which branch of the US military has the highest divorce rate? ›
Divorce Rate Among Different Branches
The divorce rate differs among the various military branches. The Air Force had the highest divorce rate of active-duty service members at 3 percent. The Marine Corps and Army had about the same rate at 2.7 percent.
Can my wife take my military retirement in a divorce? ›
California is a community property state, which means that any asset acquired or earned during marriage is presumptively divided equally at the time of a divorce. Examples of assets include real property, bank accounts, vehicles, and retirement accounts, including military pensions.
How much does the military pay for an ex-spouse? ›
Direct Payment of Retired Pay to a Former Spouse
Under the USFSPA no more than 50 percent of a member's disposable retired pay will be sent as a direct payment. However, if there are garnishments for alimony or child support, up to 65 percent may be sent as a direct payment.
Who gets the house in a military divorce? ›
Military divorces follow the same rules that civilian divorces do as far as property division is concerned. Since California is a community property state, generally, all property and debt acquired over the course of the marriage is considered joint property and will be divided equally.
What are the disadvantages of marrying a military man? ›
Frequent Moves and Deployments: Military life often involves frequent moves and long periods of separation due to deployments. This can put a strain on the relationship and require a great deal of patience and resilience.
If a military member is found guilty of adultery, he or she may face a variety of serious penalties such as a letter of reprimand, demotion, denial of benefits, punitive discharge, or even jail time.
What are issues with military spouses? ›
What are the key challenges faced by military spouses?
- Relocation is one of the biggest barriers to employment.
- Employer discrimination.
- Childcare difficulties.
- Emotional impact of the military spouse situation.
- Breaking down the barriers to employment for military spouses.
The DFAS will send payments directly to the former spouse if the service member and the former spouse meet the following two criteria: At least 10 years of marriage. At least 10 years of active duty military service overlapping the marriage.
Do I have to give my wife bah money if we are separated? ›
In most cases, when a Soldier who separates from their spouse, the Soldier is only required to make a one- time payment in the amount of 25% of their BAH RC/T WITH amount in addition to their pro-rated share of the BAH RC/T WITH amount for the first month of physical separation.
Will I lose my ex-husband's retirement if I remarry? ›
You can't receive survivor's benefits if you remarry before 60. If you remarry after age 60 (50 if disabled), you can still collect benefits on your former spouse's record. When you reach age 66, you may get retirement benefits from your new or current spouse's record if it is higher.
Why do Navy Seals have a high divorce rate? ›
Other reports have pointed to higher divorce rates among members of the special forces – such as the Green Berets, Rangers and Navy Seals. These elite troops often spend an average of nine months a year away from their families, and they are more likely to suffer long-term emotional damage from years of war.
Why do military marriages end? ›
The marriages of U.S. Armed Forces service members often fail because of infidelity on the part of one or both spouses. There are always stories of lonely military wives hanging out at clubs and cheating on husbands who are deployed.
What issues do military spouses face? ›
Long-term mental health injuries
The stresses of military life can produce disruptions in marriages and families. Military life results in uncertainty and breaks in routine, which can cause family members to experience high anxiety, depression, PTSD and long-term mental health and wellness injuries.
Why are military marriages hard? ›
Long hours and irregular schedules: Military members often work long hours and have irregular schedules, which can make it difficult to find time for their spouse and family. This can lead to feelings of resentment and isolation, as well as a lack of communication and intimacy.
