At the family law firm of Manassa, Neugebauer, Calzaretta & Stassen, P.C., our highly accomplished Illinois military divorce attorneys represent military personnel, their spouses and their children in divorce-related matters throughout the state and abroad. We have decades of experience and the passion to defend our clients' finances and futures.
Active Duty Military Personnel And Divorce
Our firm understands the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, which expanded the federal law set forth in the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940 and provides civil action protection to active duty military personnel. This means that any divorce petition can be put on hold temporarily, allowing that member of the U.S. armed forces to concentrate on defending our country instead of worrying about his or her personal affairs back home.
We also review our clients' Leave and Earnings Statements to help them understand how child support obligations will be calculated. Although hazardous duty pay, overseas pay and other types of compensation are tax-exempt, this money may still be considered income for the purposes of child support.
Retired Military Personnel And Divorce
Under the Former Spouses' Protection Act (FSPA) and according to the terms of the divorce settlement or decree, the spouse of a military service member may receive his or her share of the military pension money directly from the U.S. government. This is the case, however, only if the period of military service and the marriage overlapped for at least 10 years.
If you were married to a military service member for at least 20 years, and those 20 years coincided with his or her 20 years (or more) of service, you may qualify under the "20/20/20 rule." This rule provides additional benefits to the nonmilitary spouse, which may potentially include medical benefits, cost of living adjustments and PX and commissary rights.
Contact Our Barrington Divorce Law Firm
The respected family law lawyers highly experienced in complex divorce issues at Manassa, Neugebauer, Calzaretta & Stassen, P.C., provide prompt and professional representation to military personnel and their families in Illinois and overseas. Schedule a free initial consultation by calling our Barrington or Crystal Lake office at 847-282-4051 or 847-221-5511, or contact us online.
