The debt of gratitude this country owes the men and women of our armed services cannot be understated. And while the troops make sacrifices to help maintain our freedoms, so too do their families. Military families have many challenges that are simply not a part of ordinary civilian life. These challenges can bring many different stresses into familial relationships. This can be especially true for spouses who may find it difficult to keep their marital bonds strong.
The contribution made by military families is formally recognized with a monthlong observance. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation which designated November as being Military Family Month. Within the body of the proclamation, President Obama acknowledged how the families of military members must carry on their day-to-day lives, often while lacking the presence of a loved one in the home. The president also pointed out that in homes with children, the non-military parent must do the work of both parents.
The workload carried by the non-military parent is just one difficulty that can weaken the foundation of a relationship. If the family often moves from location to location with a redeployed military member that too can cause issues. So too can the long hours demanded by a career in the armed services. At times, a spouse may wonder if the old cliché about being married to the military does indeed apply to their significant other.
So try as they may, sometimes married military couples are not able to maintain a marriage that they find satisfactory. When this happens, it may be best for all involved that the couple divorce so they can begin the next phase of their lives.
However, those considering this move must understand the critical differences between a military divorce and a conventional civilian divorce. For example, the manner in which certain benefits are divided can differ in a military divorce. Child custody issues also have special considerations to take into account.
If you are seeking a military divorce, you may wish to speak with an attorney who has knowledge of the unique issues that the process presents.