In the shadow of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs stands not only as a beacon of natural beauty and outdoor living but also as a proud home to a significant military presence. With multiple military installations, including the United States Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Complex, the city is a hub for military personnel and their families. This unique demographic landscape brings with it a distinctive set of challenges and considerations, especially when it comes to family law.
Military service demands sacrifices and poses challenges that can strain the strongest of families. Deployments, relocations, and the everyday stresses of military life can take their toll on relationships, sometimes leading to the need for legal intervention in matters of divorce, custody, and support. Understanding the intersection between military service and family law in Colorado Springs is essential for those who serve and their spouses, offering a roadmap through potentially difficult times.
Divorce and the Military Family
Divorce is a complex process for anyone, but for military families, there are additional layers to consider. The transient nature of military life, with frequent moves and deployments, can complicate residency requirements for filing for divorce. In Colorado, a spouse must be a resident for at least 91 days before filing for divorce. However, for military families, Colorado law allows a service member or spouse to claim residency in Colorado if they have been stationed in the state for at least 91 days.
Furthermore, the division of military pensions and benefits adds another layer of complexity to military divorces. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) governs how military retirement benefits are calculated and divided upon divorce. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable division of assets.
Custody Challenges in the Military
Custody disputes can become particularly challenging when one parent is subject to deployments or frequent relocations. Colorado courts will always prioritize the best interests of the child, but they also recognize the importance of a child’s relationship with their military parent. When creating custody arrangements, the courts will consider the unique demands of military service, often incorporating provisions to modify custody or visitation orders in response to deployment schedules.
The state has enacted laws designed to protect the rights of military parents, ensuring that being deployed, in and of itself, cannot be used as the sole factor in determining custody. Additionally, temporary custody arrangements can be made during the deployed parent’s absence, which do not permanently alter the pre-existing custody agreement.
Support Issues for Military Families
When it comes to child support and spousal maintenance (alimony), the military has its own regulations that work in tandem with state laws. A service member’s income can be more complicated than civilian income, including basic pay, special duty pay, housing allowances, and other benefits. Calculating child support and alimony requires a thorough understanding of all potential sources of income, as well as an awareness of the federal laws that cap the amount of a service member’s pay that can be allocated for support purposes.
Resources and Support for Military Families
For military personnel and their spouses navigating the complexities of family law issues, seeking knowledgeable legal counsel is paramount. Lawyers who specialize in military family law, such as Brian Boal, are well-versed in both state and federal regulations that affect military families, providing invaluable guidance through legal processes.
Additionally, support services and resources are available on-base and within the Colorado Springs community, offering counseling, mediation services, and legal assistance to help military families address their unique needs.
For military families in Colorado Springs, navigating family law issues requires a delicate balance of understanding both the state and federal legal landscapes. Whether facing divorce, custody disputes, or support issues, the challenges are multifaceted. However, with the right resources and expert guidance, military families can achieve resolutions that honor their service and sacrifice while protecting their rights and ensuring the well-being of their children.
The intersection of military service and family law in Colorado Springs is complex, but it’s not insurmountable. The Boal Law Firm can provide specialized legal assistance to help military families can find their way through these challenges, reinforced by the strength and resilience that define their service.