When an experienced Stafford County military divorce lawyer is needed to implement every phase of the end of a service person's marriage, the law firm of Wesley D. Wornom, PC, is here to help.
Wesley D. Wornom's more than 38 years of experience and deep insights into the military divorce legal process benefits employees of the Pentagon, Navy Yard and Coast Guard bases in Washington, D.C.; service members on U.S. Marine Corps base, Quantico, Virginia; and high-ranking officers, including government civilian employees.
Due to the differences between military and civilian divorce, it is vital that your attorney be familiar with procedural laws such as the Serviceman's Civil Relief Act of 2003 (previously known as the Soldier's and Sailor's Relief Act) as well as the military retirement annuities.
Wesley D. Wornom has this knowledge, gives you the facts you need, listens to your goals and works hard for your family's brighter future.
You should be aware from the very start that federal law does not give spouses of military members automatic "rights." It only establishes terms and conditions that must be followed if the trial court wishes to divide military benefits including retirement. This act is called the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act.
If you are the military member in the divorce being sought, one of Wesley D. Wornom's primary objectives is to limit your financial exposure. If you are the spouse of a military member, he will seek to obtain for you the maximum benefits allowed.
Certain benefits may be received in lieu of military disposable retired pay, such as VA disability compensation, or in addition to such amounts, in the case of concurrent receipt for military members with a high level of disability.
There are also special considerations involving the Serviceman's Group Life Insurance (SGLI), which states that benefits shall be paid to the named beneficiary, notwithstanding any court order. Therefore, if you are seeking to be the beneficiary of SGLI, you must know that you are not guaranteed to receive this benefit.
In 2007, Virginia passed a statute which attempts to protect the intended beneficiary if a person fails to name a party on the SGLI. This statute was held to be unconstitutional.
For more information on these and other important aspects of military divorce — and to schedule a confidential initial consultation — contact us.
Do You Need A Military Divorce? Wesley D. Wornom, PC, Can Help.
If you or your spouse are in the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, you should reach out to our experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive military divorce attorney in Northern Virginia. Our law offices are conveniently located next door to the Stafford Courthouse. Call 540-659-1958 today or send an email message.