--- title: "Military Divorce Lawyer in Utah" url: https://walllegalsolutions.com/military-divorce-lawyer-utah/ updated: 2026-04-02 --- # Military Divorce Lawyer in Utah [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5853″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]People serving in the military understand stressful situations, but that does not make divorce any easier for them than their civilian counterparts. *What makes divorce more difficult for members of the armed forces is that they must deal with possible deployment, special [retirement benefit regulations](https://walllegalsolutions.com/military-retirement-divorce-utah/), and other matters pertaining only to the military*. #### ***L****et our expertise in the military divorce process get you through this distressing period with the best possible representation. * ## Where to File for a Military Divorce Attorney in Utah In Utah, the grounds for a military divorce do not differ from those of the civilian variety. Military divorces differ from civilian divorce in *one significant way*: ***Military spouses often have a choice of where to file for divorce***, while civilian spouses seldom do. ***Both military spouses *****do not***** have to establish residency in a state***. *In Utah, one spouse must either reside in the state or is currently stationed there.* ## Child Custody Issues in Military Divorce Under Utah law, neither parent receives automatic preference in custody matters. However,** frequent deployment makes *****joint custody impractical***** for the *****military spouse***. Of course, deployment makes physical visitation impossible. For ***noncustodial, deployed parents*****, Utah law allows** that** “*****his or her parent-time rights may be exercised by a family member with a close and substantial relationship to the minor child for the duration of the service member’s absence*****.”** ## Child Support Issues in Military Divorce Utah law ***prohibits alimony and child support from exceeding 60 percent of a military person’s pay and/or allowances***. The same guidelines for Utah civilian child support payments hold true for military child support. ## Military Divorce Retirement Pay, Pensions and Benefits ![Single-Parent Military Officer - Miltary Divorce Lawyer in Utah](https://walllegalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/military-divorce-lawyer-300x188.jpg)The federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) governs many of the regulations regarding a former spouse’s rights in a military divorce. However, Utah state law also applies. In order for a non-military spouse to receive any portion of their *former military spouse’s retirement pay ****directly***, the couple must have been ***married at least 10 years*** and the ***military member must have been on active duty during that time***. That does not mean, under Utah law, that spouses from shorter marriages cannot receive retirement pay. Utah treats retirement pay and pensions as marital assets, but if the non-military spouse is ***married less than 10 years, the ex-spouse must make the payments, rather than the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.*** As for **Tri-care **and other** health benefits** for a former spouse, the USFSPA goes by the ***20/20/20*** rule for full eligibility. That means the ***military spouse served for at least 20 years***, the ***marriage lasted at least 20 years*** and ***the two – marriage and service – overlapped by at least 20 years***. If the marriage *overlapped by up to 15 years, the spouse may receive health benefits for one year post-divorce*. This rule basically ensures that with young divorcing couples in which only one serves in the military, the spouse is ineligible for health benefits. ***To learn more about military retirement, visit our [military retirement and divorce page.](https://walllegalsolutions.com/military-retirement-divorce-utah/)***[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] ## Military Spouse Divorce in Utah FAQ [/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”How Is Military Divorce Different?” tab_id=”1600783438367-a26fe533-f040″][vc_column_text]The biggest manner in which military divorce is different from other proceedings is that they are going to be governed by both state and federal laws. For example, federal laws could play a role in how assets are divided or how a potential military pension is broken up. At the same time, there are still state laws that could apply depending on where [US military divorce lawyers](https://walllegalsolutions.com/CM/Firm-Overview.html) decide to file the petition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What Is the Military Divorce Rate?” tab_id=”1600783438392-2a4e7650-c2db”][vc_column_text]Overall, the military divorce rate is between three and four percent. There are additional stressors that accompany a military marriage, so it is important to remember that there are always [trained professionals](https://walllegalsolutions.com/attorney-profiles/) who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Military Divorce What Am I Entitled To?” tab_id=”1600783656570-2a921a22-f19a”][vc_column_text]Following a military divorce, a spouse might be entitled to one year of transitional medical benefits; however, there could be some other factors that play a role. This is one of the biggest reasons why it is a good idea to rely on an experienced attorney.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Military Divorce vs Legal Separation” tab_id=”1600783657860-0c114d67-8410″][vc_column_text]Legal separation and military divorce are two different processes. When a military divorce takes place, the marriage is over. When a legal separation takes place, the two parties are still married. Therefore, someone who is separated cannot remarry; however, some states require a couple to be separated for a certain period of time before they can get a divorce.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How Is Child Custody Affected by Military Divorce Utah?” tab_id=”1600783658914-04501233-7111″][vc_column_text]When it comes to child custody issues regarding a military divorce, this is going to depend on the state in which the petition is filed. For those filing in Utah, child custody issues are going to be handled in the same manner regardless of whether the divorce involves a military spouse or not.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How to Calculate Military Divorce Retirement Pay?” tab_id=”1600783660031-34589c2e-d1f0″][vc_column_text]Retirement pay is one of the most valuable assets when it comes to a military divorce. The state courts have the power to dictate how a potential pension will be divided among the divorcing parties. Therefore, it is a good idea to enlist the help of an experienced military divorce lawyer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How to Divorce Military Husband?” tab_id=”1600783762846-0ea0ff8d-e90f”][vc_column_text]Those who are looking to undergo a military divorce from a husband have to file the appropriate paperwork. This has to be filed either in the state where the spouse filing the petition lives, the state where the military member is currently deployed (or stationed), or the state where the military member designates as his or her place of residence. For those in Salt Lake City, Utah, it is also a good idea to rely on divorce lawyers military who know how to guide someone through this process. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How Long Does Military Divorce Take?” tab_id=”1600783764640-80466123-6830″][vc_column_text]The exact amount of time that it will take for a military divorce to be completed can vary; however, it is a good idea to work with a trained military divorce lawyer who understands the delicate and intricate issues that will arise during this process. [Military divorce attorneys](https://walllegalsolutions.com/contact-us/) in Salt Lake City can guide a spouse through this process, ensuring that all of his or her rights are protected.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text] ## Why Choose Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law to Help You With Military Divorce? - We have over 190 years of combined expertise. - An approach that is focused on the needs of clients. - Schedule a consultations - Affordable legal service - Military discounts available - Fluent Interpreter Available for Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, Arabic; or German ## Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law: Salt Lake City Military Divorce Attorney *Military divorce is more complicated than civilian divorces*. Hiring an attorney unfamiliar with the military divorce process is a huge mistake. At [Wall & Wall Legal Solutions](https://walllegalsolutions.com/)***, we are top-rated military divorce lawyers and know the in-and-outs of military retirement decrees and other situations not found in civilian divorces***. **Contact Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law **to schedule a ***free *****initial** **consultation **by [filling out our online form](https://walllegalsolutions.com/contact-us/) or by calling us at **801-263-7078**. [Download PDF](https://walllegalsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/walllegalsolutions.com-Military-Divorce-Lawyer-in-Utah-3.pdf) [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] --- Site: https://walllegalsolutions.com/ · Overview for AI: https://walllegalsolutions.com/llms.txt