Radical Proposal for Division of Retirement Pay in Divorce

"...Former spouses might get a smaller share of a military member's monthly retirement pay if Congress passes legislation that some are describing as a “radical rewrite” of the law regarding the division of marital assets when military couples divorce.

It would require state courts to award payments to ex-spouses of service members based on the rank and years of service at the time of divorce — not the rank and years of service at the time of retirement, as is currently the case. In some cases, it will mean the spouse will get a smaller share of the service member’s monthly retirement.

“We’re trying to protect warriors out there fighting for our country..."

Read more at militarytimes.com

Divorce: Splitting Up Military Retirement

"...Dividing retirement plans in a divorce is never easy. When one spouse is in the military, it gets even harder.

The issue affects millions of military couples for whom a pension is often their largest asset...

What makes military pensions more valuable than others is that there is no minimum age. Someone enlisting at 18 can retire at 38 and receive a pension, with cost-of-living increases, for the next 40 years..."

Read more at wsj.com

Military Pension and Divorce

"...The Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (the Act) governs the terms and conditions regarding the division of your retired pay. Simply stated, they are too voluminous to completely explain in this article. This article will specifically address the four possible methods of defining the portion awarded to your soon-to-be former spouse..."

Read more at military.com