When duty, deployment, and divorce collide, you need clarity, strategy, and a steady hand.
Northwest Florida is home to thousands of military families. With Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity Panama City, and other installations nearby, service members face challenges unique to military divorce.
At Justin Andersson, P.A., we help military families navigate the divorce process with a steady hand and a clear legal roadmap — protecting their rights while honoring their service.
Florida law governs divorce procedures — but federal law controls benefits, retirement, jurisdiction, and deployment-related delays. That means your attorney must understand both systems.
Key differences in military divorces:
To file for divorce in Florida, either spouse must have lived in the state for at least 6 months. However, military residency may be more flexible if:
If jurisdiction is unclear, we help you determine the proper venue to avoid dismissal or delay.
Florida courts can divide military pensions, but only under strict federal rules:
No. Military divorces are flexible. You can file in Florida if you or your spouse are stationed here, live here, or meet Florida’s 6-month residency requirement. An attorney can help determine the best jurisdiction.
Active duty service members can request a delay in proceedings under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) if deployment or military obligations prevent full participation. This ensures no one is disadvantaged due to service.
Yes. Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), courts can divide military pensions. Spouses married for 10 years that overlap with at least 10 years of military service may receive direct payments from DFAS. Even shorter overlaps may still entitle spouses to a portion.
Potentially. Eligibility for continued healthcare depends on marriage length and service overlap:
20/20/20 Rule: If married 20 years, spouse served 20 years, and years overlap, full benefits may continue.
20/20/15 Rule: If at least 15 years overlap, transitional medical benefits may apply.
Florida courts consider the best interests of the child, including deployment and relocation challenges. Parenting plans can account for temporary adjustments, virtual communication, and deployment-related schedules.
Dividing military retirement depends on the USFSPA rules. VA benefits are generally not divisible in a divorce, but a lawyer can clarify how benefits like disability compensation or survivor benefits may be affected.
Child support is based on Florida state guidelines, but courts may also consider military income, special allowances, and deployment schedules when calculating support obligations.
Yes. Florida courts consider all income—including military pay—when determining alimony. Deployment, relocation, and retirement benefits can also factor into spousal support calculations.
It’s highly recommended. Military divorces involve federal and state rules, pensions, benefits, and custody considerations. A knowledgeable attorney like Justin Andersson ensures compliance and protects your rights.
Yes. If both spouses agree on all issues—including property, pensions, custody, and support—the divorce can be uncontested, simplifying and speeding up the process.
From the coast to the Wiregrass line, we provide trusted legal representation in:
Whether you live in Panama City or commute in from across the Panhandle, we offer virtual consultations, flexible scheduling, and personalized legal support from a team that understands Northwest Florida values.
Use the form to get in touch. Send a message, and let’s discuss how I can support you through your legal matter.
Want clear answers now? Get the free guide I wrote to help clients like you navigate divorce in the 850.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Justin Andersson is not board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar. For full details, please see our Legal Disclaimer page or email info@850DivorceLawyer.com to request a copy.
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