Family Matters

Resources on divorces, child support, adoption, custody, domestic violence, and estate planning.

Divorce

Question:

Married to a veteran for 18 years. I’m listed as a dependent/wife on paperwork during the time he was compassionated back pay from 2012 to present. Now he wants a divorce. Am I entitled to any benefits since now he has a 100% rating?

 

Jim's Reply:

In any divorce action each party will be entitled to what the law and the court decide they will have, nothing more, nothing less. Many military and veteran spouses enter divorce believing all the things their former partner tells them, most of which aren't true. 

The court will require each of you to complete a financial statement and from that information the judge will use the law to determine who owes what to who. Disability payments from VA are part of that overall income, those benefits are not protected during divorce.

Good luck.

 

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TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families)

TANF provides a basic monthly income to families who have few other resources. The program used to be called AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children). It may be called something else in your state.
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The Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Convention)

Learn more about how to use this treaty as military personnel.
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Military Acronym User-Guide

Military jargon involves numerous acronyms. In order to assist you, we have provided this acronym guide for your easy reference. The acronyms selected are those we found to be the most common when addressing legal issues for servicemembers, veterans and their families.

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Sample SF-180

A sample version of form SF-180: Request Pertaining to Military Records
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Postponing a Lawsuit Against You

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Despite the need to access weaponry, servicemembers who have engaged in certain acts, such as perpetrating domestic violence against an intimate partner or being convicted of a felony, may be prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouses and Children

DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid by the VA to eligible survivors of the following:
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Where Can I Get Legal Help with an Out-of-State Child Support Modification?

Legal help with out-of-state child support modifications

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Emancipation and Military Service

Learn more about Emancipation and how that effects Military Service.