Military Families2025-04-15T07:50:55+00:00

MILITARY FAMILY SERVICES

Denver Military Divorce Lawyers

Experienced Military Divorce Lawyers

If you are a military member or military spouse, Littman Family Law can assist you with your divorce or family law matter.

Military Families

If you are a military member or military spouse, Littman Family Law offers specialized expertise in handling the unique aspects of military divorce and family law concerns. Our team of experienced divorce lawyers understands the distinct challenges faced by military families, including issues related to deployments, military pensions, and residency requirements. We are well-equipped to guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected, no matter how complex your case may be.

Military divorces often involve specific considerations that are different from civilian cases, such as the division of assets and liabilities, which can be complicated by factors like military benefits and retirement plans. If you have a prenuptial agreement in place, we will carefully examine it to ensure that your financial interests are safeguarded. If you do not have such an agreement, we can help navigate the fair and equitable division of assets, taking into account the unique aspects of military service that may impact your settlement.

In addition, we recognize that family circumstances can change even after a divorce is finalized, which is why we offer assistance with post-decree modifications. These modifications may be necessary if there are changes in deployment status, relocation needs, or shifts in financial situations that require adjustments to support arrangements or custody agreements. Littman Family Law is committed to providing ongoing support to military families, ensuring that all legal matters are handled with the utmost care and sensitivity, including those that pertain to same-sex marriages.

Special Requirements For Military Divorces

Determining where to file a divorce or other family law matter may not be easy if Colorado is not the legal residence or domicile. Proper handling of military retirement benefits requires a high level of knowledge and skill as military retirement is very different from most civilian retirement plans. Obtaining payments for the non-military spouse of both child support and retirement benefits requires knowing how to work with DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) if the marriage was ten years or more.


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Another unique circumstance is the survivor benefit plan (SBP) election. This involves protecting the non-military spouse’s entitlement to his or her share of the military retirement plan. Littman Family Law is dedicated to providing comprehensive and skilled divorce representation to current and retired military service members and their families. We have previously worked with clients or their spouses from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, current or retired. We have also worked with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and other uniformed services.

Military families bring with them a special set of needs, given the demands on military members called to active duty. We create an individualized approach to the needs of each military family member who becomes our client. Whenever possible, we look to resolve issues through collaborative law, which is uniquely suited for military families, as well as through Early Neutral Evaluation and Mediation. These approaches offer savings to military families from both an economic and emotional standpoint. However, when litigating is necessary, we will represent our clients diligently.

Offering Reduced Fees For Military Divorces

We offer all legal help for military spouses or military members — active duty, honorably discharged, or retired — a 10 percent reduction on our hourly rates with proper identification. Our practice works with families from Denver and throughout the metro area, Colorado’s Eastern Plains, and Western Slope communities.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 303-832-4200 or by sending us an email.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key considerations in a military divorce in Denver, Colorado?2024-07-19T14:40:14+00:00

Military divorces in Denver, Colorado, require meeting residency requirements of 91 days, or if the service member is stationed in the state, they may claim residency regardless of the duration of stay. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active-duty service members to request a stay in divorce proceedings if their duties prevent participation. Military pensions are treated as marital property and can be divided according to the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). Child custody and support considerations must factor in the service member’s potential deployments and relocations. Lastly, non-military spouses may retain certain benefits, including healthcare and base privileges, depending on the length of the marriage and service​.

What is the process for dividing military pensions in a divorce?2024-07-19T14:40:58+00:00

Dividing military pensions in a divorce involves several key steps. The court must have jurisdiction over the service member, established by their residence, domicile, or consent. The pension is divided based on the duration of the marriage overlapping with military service, using the “disposable retired pay” which excludes certain deductions. For direct payments from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the couple must meet the 10/10 rule (10 years of marriage overlapping 10 years of military service). The former spouse must submit a certified court order to DFAS to initiate payments, which cannot exceed 50% of the service member’s disposable retired pay​.

Can child custody arrangements be modified for military families in Colorado?2024-07-19T14:41:47+00:00

Yes, child custody arrangements can be modified for military families in Colorado if there is a significant change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests. Changes such as job relocations, deployments, or the child’s evolving needs can justify a modification. The process involves filing a motion with the court, presenting reasons and evidence for the requested changes. Mediation and collaborative approaches, like co-parenting plans, are encouraged to resolve issues amicably outside of court. If mediation fails, the court will decide based on the best interests of the child.

What legal support is available for military spouses during a divorce in Denver?2024-07-19T14:43:29+00:00

Military spouses undergoing divorce in Denver can receive various forms of legal support designed to address the unique challenges of military life. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers protections such as postponing court proceedings for active-duty members who cannot attend due to their duties. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) allows courts to treat military pensions as marital property for equitable division​​. Specialized military divorce attorneys help with issues like jurisdiction, custody impacted by deployments, and the division of military benefits, ensuring both parties’ rights are protected​. Legal firms such as Littman Family Law provide consultations and strategic advice tailored to military divorces​. Please contact us for more comprehensive consultations.

Additional Information in Denver, Colorado

  • Military OneSource – Dealing With Divorce in the Military: Comprehensive support for military families dealing with divorce. The site offers resources on legal support, including how to find military divorce lawyers and understanding the legal implications of military divorce under both federal and state laws. It provides guidance on managing the emotional stress of divorce, with access to non-medical counseling, health and wellness coaching, and financial counseling. Additionally, the site explains the rights of divorced military spouses, covering issues such as division of military pensions, child custody, and spousal support. This resource helps military families navigate the complexities of divorce by offering tailored information and support to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.

  • National Military Family AssociationDivorce and Custody: Resources for military families dealing with marriage and divorce. It offers information on marriage enrichment programs, divorce proceedings, and the division of military benefits like retirement pay. The site explains the legal requirements and protections under laws like the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It also guides on obtaining legal assistance and understanding entitlements for former spouses. This resource helps military families navigate the legal complexities of divorce and ensures they receive the support and benefits they are entitled to.

  • Forbes AdvisorMilitary Divorce: Everything You Need To Know: Outlines how military divorces are similar to civilian ones but include additional considerations such as the division of military pensions and benefits, and compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It provides information on calculating spousal and child support, addressing custody issues, and the importance of understanding military-specific legal protections. This resource helps military families by explaining the unique aspects of military divorces and providing guidance on navigating the legal complexities involved.

Littman Family Law and Mediation Services

1772 Emerson Street
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303-832-4200
Fax: 303-832-9322
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