Military Divorce in Arkansas: Special Considerations for Service Members and Spouses

Divorce is challenging under any circumstances—but when one or both spouses are members of the military, the legal issues can be significantly more complex. Military divorces in Arkansas often involve unique federal and state laws related to retirement benefits, disability pay, jurisdiction, and child custody relocation.

At Turner & Rasch LLP, our experienced family law attorneys understand the special considerations involved in military divorce cases and are prepared to guide both service members and military spouses through the process with clarity, precision, and compassion.

Jurisdiction and Residency in Military Divorces

One of the first issues in a military divorce is determining where the divorce can be filed. Service members may be stationed in Arkansas while maintaining legal residency in another state, or they may be deployed overseas.

Arkansas courts may have jurisdiction over a military divorce depending on factors such as:

  • Where the service member is stationed

  • Legal domicile or residency

  • Where the non-military spouse resides

Determining proper jurisdiction is critical to ensuring the divorce and any resulting orders are legally enforceable.

Division of Military Retirement and Pensions

Military retirement benefits are often one of the most valuable assets in a military divorce. These benefits are governed by both Arkansas law and federal law, including the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA).

Key considerations include:

  • Whether the retirement is marital property

  • The length of the marriage overlapping military service

  • How the retirement will be divided

  • Whether direct payment through DFAS is available

Our firm works to ensure military retirement and pension interests are properly identified, valued, and divided in compliance with applicable law.

Military Disability Benefits and Divorce

Military disability pay raises particularly sensitive and complex issues in divorce. Unlike retirement pay, disability benefits are generally not divisible as marital property, but they can affect:

  • Overall income calculations

  • Spousal support (alimony)

  • Child support determinations

We help clients understand how disability benefits may be treated by the court and how they impact financial obligations following divorce.

Child Custody and Military Relocation Issues

Child custody disputes in military divorces often involve deployment and relocation concerns. Service members may face:

  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves

  • Temporary duty assignments

  • Deployments affecting parenting time

Arkansas courts focus on the best interests of the child, while also recognizing the realities of military service. Custody orders may need to address:

  • Long-distance parenting plans

  • Temporary custody during deployment

  • Communication and visitation schedules

  • Reinstatement of custody after deployment

Our attorneys work to craft custody arrangements that protect parent-child relationships while accommodating military obligations.

Child Support and Military Pay

Military pay structures can be complex, including:

  • Base pay

  • Housing allowances (BAH)

  • Subsistence allowances (BAS)

  • Special and incentive pays

Properly identifying income is essential to ensure accurate child support calculations under Arkansas law. We advocate for fair and lawful treatment of all forms of military compensation.

Spousal Support in Military Divorces

Spousal support (alimony) may be awarded in military divorces depending on factors such as:

  • Length of the marriage

  • Disparity in income

  • Impact of military service on a spouse’s career

We help clients understand their rights and obligations and advocate for outcomes that reflect both fairness and financial reality.

How Turner & Rasch LLP Helps With Military Divorces in Arkansas

Military divorce cases require attorneys who understand how state family law and federal military regulations intersect. At Turner & Rasch LLP, we provide experienced, detail-oriented representation tailored to the unique challenges military families face.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

  • Clear explanations of complex military-related issues

  • Strategic handling of retirement, pension, and disability matters

  • Thoughtful custody planning for relocation and deployment

  • Ongoing communication so you are informed at every step

We are committed to helping clients make confident decisions during an already difficult transition.

Serving Military Families in Little Rock and Across Arkansas

Located in Little Rock, our firm proudly represents military members and their spouses throughout Arkansas in divorce, custody, and support matters.

Speak With an Arkansas Military Divorce Attorney Today

If you are facing a military divorce in Arkansas, early legal guidance is essential to protecting your rights, your benefits, and your relationship with your children. You deserve an attorney who understands the unique legal landscape military families navigate.

Contact Turner & Rasch LLP today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. The laws governing family law matters in Arkansas are complex and subject to change, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

Reviewing, accessing, or using this website does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Turner & Rasch LLP. An attorney–client relationship is only formed through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm after a conflict-of-interest check has been completed.

Visitors should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained on this website without first seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction.

Any communication submitted through this website, including through contact forms or email links, does not create an attorney–client relationship and may not be treated as confidential until such a relationship has been formally established.

This disclaimer is intended to comply with the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and other applicable ethical requirements.

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