Tampa Military Divorce Lawyers
Assisting Clients With Military Divorce Matters in Florida
Not every divorce lawyer can handle a military divorce. These divorce cases require a special set of skills and experience that not every attorney has. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, our attorneys are familiar not only with Florida’s divorce statutes but with military-specific codes as well. You can trust our legal advocates with any military divorce, child custody, alimony, or related family law case.
If you or your spouse lives or has been stationed in Florida, then you may be able to file for a military divorce in Florida. Additionally, Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you can file for divorce even if you don’t have some sort of negative complaint against your spouse. These laws also apply to military divorce.
Call us today at (813) 710-4816 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our military divorce attorney in Tampa.
Understanding Unique Challenges in Military Divorce
The Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) is a federal law that allows Florida courts to treat any military retirement pay as a divisible asset under Florida divorce law. Depending on your unique circumstances, this means that one spouse could be eligible to receive a percentage of the serving spouse’s military pension. This depends on how long you and your spouse were married, the financial situation of both parties, non-marital assets, and other important factors.
Military divorce law also allows for the divorce proceedings to be postponed for the duration of the period that the active service member is on duty, because he or she would have no way of being physically present for the divorce proceedings while stationed out of state or overseas. This can also protect on-duty parents from receiving unfavorable child custody arrangements.
Dividing Military Pensions in Divorce
Military retirement benefits are considered during a military divorce. The USFSPA allows family law courts to use the same property division principles for dividing military pensions. If you are divorcing a military member or military veteran, you should ask about how to divide a military pension even if your spouse is not near retirement age yet. You may be able to request direct pay once the divorce judgment is final, once retirement has been initiated, and if the 10/10 rule has been met (where the military member served a minimum of 10 years and was married to the individual requesting direct pay during those years).
Resources & Support Systems for Military Families
Military families going through divorce in Tampa have access to various support systems and resources to assist them during this challenging time. Numerous military and community organizations are dedicated to providing assistance and information tailored to the unique needs of military families, including guidance on navigating legal challenges specific to military life.
Robert Sparks Attorneys actively connects clients with these resources to ensure comprehensive support beyond legal representation. For instance, local organizations such as the MacDill Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program offer counseling, educational workshops, and support groups designed to assist military families in transition. Understanding and leveraging these resources can significantly ease the burdens of divorce, helping families access mental health services, financial planning advice, and parenting support catered to military lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Military Divorce Proceedings Be Affected by Deployment?
Deployment can have a significant impact on military divorce proceedings. Military service often requires personnel to relocate or deploy on short notice. This can delay proceedings due to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which provides protections that prevent court hearings from occurring without the active service member's involvement. This is crucial to ensuring that no legal disadvantage occurs due to military duties. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we are adept at managing these challenges and working with the courts to schedule proceedings in a manner that respects both parties' involvement and obligations.
What Unique Challenges Do Military Spouses Face in Divorce?
Military spouses face several challenges unique to their lifestyle, particularly during a divorce. These challenges include understanding military benefits entitlement, managing stays and delays ordered by the court due to deployment, and navigating the division of military pensions. Emotional challenges also arise due to relocations and disruptions in community and educational continuity for their children. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we provide comprehensive support and guidance to help military spouses manage these challenges. Our team ensures that every detail is considered, from legal rights to personal well-being, facilitating a transition that respects the complexities of their lives.
Contact Our Military Divorce Lawyers in Tampa Today
Every military divorce attorney at our law firm possesses the knowledge of military dissolution of marriage laws that will benefit you and your family. We understand that initiating a divorce process can feel daunting, especially with the added layer of military regulations. That's why our legal team begins every client relationship with a detailed consultation, laying out the full breadth of legal options and strategies in an accessible manner. We invite you to discuss how we can navigate your unique situation, offering you sound advice derived from years of dealing with similar cases, thus empowering you to make informed decisions.
If you are considering filing for divorce and you or your spouse is a member of the military, contact a Tampa military divorce attorney at Robert Sparks Attorneys. Located in close proximity to MacDill Air Force Base, we stand ready to cater to the specific needs of service members and their families in the Tampa area. Call us today at (813) 710-4816 for a consultation.
At our firm, we have a reputation built on winning. Our ultimate goal is to protect and pursue your rights and your family’s well-being. With decades of collective experience, we are highly qualified and committed to securing the best legal outcomes for individuals who need the skill, dedication, and compassion of our trial attorneys.
Strength. Trust. Results.
Read What Our Clients Say In Their Own Words.
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“The professionalism of staff, the promptness of responses to questions, and the overall guidance through the process after my accident was astounding. Rob and Garrett were absolutely AMAZING.”- Daner J.
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“I am very satisfied with the exceptional work that Robert Sparks Attorney has done for me and my case. Garrett Riley handled my case. I really appreciate how communicative and persistent he was.”- Alexis M.
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“The communication with him and his team is fantastic, and you really feel they are with you every step of the way with your case. He is very caring and understanding, and takes initiative and leads the charge with moving your case along.”- Mary A.
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“My cases both had successful outcomes and I am certain that this as a result of his knowledge and work ethic. His attention was primarily focused on my health and well being prior to anything else.”- Melissa E.
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“Although, I have to put a special highlight on Cheryl! She is one of the sweetest and most compassionate people I know. She truly cares about their clients as if they were friends and had know each other for years.”- Nicole S.
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“It was non-stop communication with both Rob and Cheryl. The road was long but this team is adamant and steadfast on their mission and dedication to each client.”- Michelle N.
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“Rob, thank you so much for helping with all of this and know that I hold you and your staff in the highest professional esteem. No matter what was thrown at us, you had an answer that countered.”- Former Client
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“Our family cannot begin to express appreciation for the legal expertise provided by attorney Robert Sparks and his team at Robert Sparks Attorneys!”- Former Client
