Wanted: Divorce Lawyer w/Exp in Military Matters

[rbeau30]

I looked in the advanced search, and found some leads, but thought I would add here that I will be facing a unique to military pay situation and before I use my military Medical Severance that will be partially recouped by the VA, I would like to consult a lawyer on what I will expect. Because the hooker is going to want to get her grubby hands on a piece of that cash once she sees my W-2.

I did read a Kansas Supreme Court Appeal decision overturning an award of any of the military severance, I need to ensure that I am good to go as far as not owing her any of it.

If any military or former military folks here have had good experience with a particular lawyer, and didn't get the deer-in-the-headlights look when you rattled some acronyms off to them like BAH, BAS, AFSC, MOS, then I would like to call them, and see if they are for me. There has to be some good ones here in Colorado, the divorce rate of the military is > 85%.

Thanks Fellas!

[brokenscout]

I think it depends on how long you were married, but pretty much your screwed most likely.. I'd find a good attorney, did you check with JAG

[TheGrey]

Look like Black & Graham, LLC in Colorado Springs are pretty focused on family law issues regarding military.
I'm sorry that things have gone downhill for you.

[Ronin13]

No experience in this, but I did find this with a quick little search:
http://www.lawyers.com/military-divo...ado/law-firms/
I think I heard somewhere that when it comes to .mil matters, it supersedes a prenup- but not too sure how much stock I put in a Barracks Lawyer's opinion.
In the words of Han Solo: "Good luck.... you're gonna need it."

[davsel]

The Marrison Law Firm in Colorado Springs DID ME NO FAVORS.

What we often hear about "time in service" requirements for her to get anything is FALSE. They only apply to automatic payments from the DOD to her. She can fight for, and possibly win, anything she asks for. I was only married to the psycho for four years, and she is now receiving a very small, but infinity painful, portion of my retirement. Be ready. In the long run, a good attorney will be less expensive than what you may end up paying her for the rest of your life.
Her attorney was Julie Wolfe of Colorado Springs - she was not nice to me.

Best of luck to you.



ETA:
If you ever need an excellent criminal defense attorney, Eric Anaya of the Foley Law Firm http://www.davidfoley.net/ is highly recommended.

[rbeau30]

We were married for 8 years, got divorced in 2009 soon after coming back from Afghanistan to an empty house (and I mean EMPTY), so she pretty much only would have gotten 20% of my retirement. Got 49 (me) / 51 (her) parental time so I ended up with close to what I wanted.

We have to exchange financial info every year, so she will see that I got a (Base Pay X 2) X number of years served = Severance package, however the VA will recoup whatever my Disability Rating is of that so I won't see a VA check until I have paid it off.

I can just see her going right to the courthouse to subpeona me as soon as she gets to see my taxes.

Things were going downhill getting medically discharged (not retired) after 15 years of service (in 5 days), until a new job landed right in my lap that I think I will enjoy a lot, so I am a whole lot less stressed right now.

[Veritas]

Generally speaking you have to me married at least 10 years for your spouse to get any of your military benefits. But I got divorsed ten years ago so laws in the state may have changed.

[CroiDhubh]

Ah yes...this was something I dealt with so many damn times as an MP when I'd come back and work garrison... I have my opinion of Army wives, but I'll keep it to myself at this moment.

Check with Black & Graham in Colorado Springs

[BushMasterBoy]

I'd never willfully accept the severance. I'd try to force them to medically retire you. I somehow managed to get the retirement with 100% disability. Also got the VA 100% service connected disability. I bet if you refuse to sign off on the severance, and they force it on you, you could appeal at a later date. Active duty can always see the judge advocate for free legal advice. Medically retired means you get to have a mil ID card and use the medical facilities and other privileges. No way would I sever wilfully . http://forums.military.com/eve/forum.../6090079681001

[TennVol]

Generally speaking you have to me married at least 10 years for your spouse to get any of your military benefits. But I got divorsed ten years ago so laws in the state may have changed.

NOT TRUE!

Any judge can take it upon themselves to award payment of any percentage (up to 50%) of your disposable retired pay to a former spouse. The law on the books is only a recommendation that the entitlement begins at ten years of marriage that overlaps at least ten years of military service. You can be married for only one day and the judge can award a portion of your pay to your former spouse. The 2.5%/yr beginning at ten years is only a guideline not a requirement. I have first hand experience with this with wife 1.0

...My advice, get a great (e.g., expensive) lawyer - you won't regret it down the road.