Indianapolis Military Divorce Attorney
Divorce is an emotional and complicated time in anyone’s life. It can be harder when one spouse serves in the United States military. You need a family law attorney who understands the laws that apply to military divorce.
At Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., we help veterans, active-duty members and their spouses through divorce. Contact our law firm online or call 317-660-8150 to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable lawyer.
Guidance Through Military Divorce Matters
Our lawyers handle every part of a military divorce, including:
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Paternity
- Property division
- Custody
At Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., we stay up to date on changes in the law to better serve your interests. You can rely on us to explain your options and how each one may affect you.
Property Division In Your Divorce
Military divorce can make property division more difficult. Military pensions and retirement benefits follow special rules. These rules can be hard to understand, so it helps to work with a lawyer who knows them.
Attorney Michael G. Ruppert, has practiced family law for over 40 years. He often speaks on military divorce issues involving property division, retirement benefits and military family law. Our lawyers have experience handling military divorces and will guide you through the process.
Common Questions About Military Divorce
Military divorces involve unique legal issues. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about military divorce in Indiana.
How does the SCRA protect active-duty military members from default divorce judgments?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) helps protect active-duty service members when military duties keep them from taking part in a divorce case. A court may delay the case or require extra steps before entering a default judgment. Our military divorce attorneys can explain whether the SCRA applies to your case.
What rules govern how a military pension is divided between spouses under the USFSPA?
The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) lets Indiana courts divide disposable military retirement pay under Indiana law. The court looks at your marriage before deciding whether to divide military retirement benefits. If division is warranted, it also decides how the benefits will be divided.
How are child custody and parenting time agreements handled during a military deployment or station transfer?
A deployment or permanent change of station (PCS) can affect child custody and parenting time. Indiana courts put the child’s best interests first. If your situation changes, you may need to ask the court to change your current orders.
How are military allowances like BAS and BAH factored into Indiana child support calculations?
Indiana courts may count military pay and some allowances as part of a parent’s income under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. These allowances include Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The court reviews each parent’s income before setting child support.
Can a non-military former spouse retain TRICARE health care and commissary benefits after the divorce is finalized?
Some former military spouses can keep TRICARE health coverage or commissary benefits if they meet federal eligibility rules. The length of the marriage and the service member’s military service often affect eligibility. Our lawyers can explain which benefits you may keep after your divorce.
Contact Us For Military Divorce And Property Division Assistance
Our lawyers have more than 80 years of combined family law experience. We will use that experience to protect your interests during your military divorce. Call 317-660-8150 or contact us online. We represent clients throughout the Indianapolis and central Indiana area.