Military Divorce Attorney in Virginia
Your Advocate in Military Divorce & Family Law
At The Griffin Law Firm, our military divorce attorney in Virginia helps service members, veterans, and their families navigate the legal complexities of divorce associated with military life. Drawing on firsthand military experience, we deliver guidance that reflects the realities of serving in the armed forces—making sure you receive informed, strategic support every step of the way. Whether you’re stationed at bases like Norfolk Naval Station, Fort Belvoir, or Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or preparing for new assignments, we offer the continuity and reliability needed during times of change.
Military divorce in Virginia involves challenges that many civilian attorneys may not fully appreciate. Each Virginia installation brings its own procedures and local court customs, from issues with serving legal papers on base to the impact of deployments and PCS orders on custody and finances. Our firm offers tailored counsel to address these nuances directly, helping you anticipate and avoid unnecessary complications. We understand how to approach military housing, relocation, and commissary matters, ensuring every detail is covered. Our experience as veterans means we’re dedicated to your well-being and peace of mind throughout the process.
Contact The Griffin Law Firm at (888) 707-4282 for a confidential consultation with a military divorce attorney in Virginia.
Why Work With a Military Divorce Lawyer in Virginia?
Navigating military divorce in Virginia requires a legal team with in-depth knowledge of both state and federal law. Cases often involve statutes like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can delay proceedings during active duty, or the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) for dividing pensions. At The Griffin Law Firm, our veterans-led firm brings a proven ability to handle cases that cross between military and state courts. We understand how military benefits, housing allowances, and changing duty stations intersect with Virginia law, and we offer transparent, flat-rate pricing and direct communication, eliminating surprises as your case moves forward.
With our client-centered approach, you stay in control of your divorce—not the process. Many families worry about legal expenses, confusion with documentation, or unforeseen delays. By providing predictable fees and consistent updates, we take the mystery out of divorce and empower you to make informed choices. We listen to your goals—whether that means protecting retirement benefits or preserving parent-child connections during deployments—and create a customized path centered on your future. It’s this commitment to advocacy, clarity, and informed decision-making that sets us apart among Virginia military divorce lawyers.
Comprehensive Military Divorce Services for Virginia Families
We offer a complete range of legal services designed to protect your interests in every aspect of a military divorce. When you trust our team, you benefit from support rooted in both military and family law. Here’s what our military divorce lawyer in Virginia delivers:
- Tailored Strategy: We help you understand your rights regarding property division, spousal support, child custody, and military benefits, applying both Virginia law and federal protections to every case.
- Military Pension & Benefits: Our team addresses division of military pensions, Thrift Savings Plan accounts, Survivor Benefit Plan elections, and healthcare eligibility, ensuring all financial concerns are handled based on current law.
- Service Member Protections: We anticipate and resolve the unique issues that arise from deployments, PCS moves, and SCRA-mandated delays, so your case continues smoothly while your rights are safeguarded.
- Consistency in Dual-Jurisdiction Cases: If your divorce includes elements that impact both military and state law—such as relocation with children or enforcement of custody across states—we coordinate a seamless strategy to protect your family’s best interests.
- Transparent Pricing & Communication: You can always expect straightforward, flat-rate legal fees and clear communication throughout your case so you can plan without added stress.
Every military family is unique, and our practice reflects that. Some clients come to us with questions about arranging for children's schooling while deployed or dividing personal property accrued overseas. Others need reassurance that their property rights and benefits—including military retirement and local state entitlements—will be fully protected, even if circumstances change suddenly. Our team works to explain how Virginia’s residency requirements, court preferences, and timelines can affect your case, and we remain by your side through common military divorce scenarios such as overseas assignments, mixed-residency filings, or complex asset distributions. You gain clarity and control, regardless of where you or your spouse are stationed.
The Military Divorce Process in Virginia: Steps & Expectations
Our process is designed to minimize your stress and keep your case moving—whether you’re on active duty or transitioning to civilian life in Virginia. Here’s a look at how our Virginia military divorce attorney will support you:
- Initial Consultation: We evaluate your situation, confirm residency, service status, and timing, and determine relevant SCRA protections or any local jurisdictional details that must be addressed.
- Filing & Notice: Virginia divorce cases follow strict state guidelines, but our team ensures all filings are compatible with military service, addressing proper service of process—even when stationed on base or deployed overseas—and seeking SCRA stays when appropriate.
- Discovery & Negotiation: We collect thorough documentation related to assets, pensions, and benefits, and approach negotiations by factoring in military-specific needs like mobility, temporary duty assignments, and long-term future planning for you and your children.
- Custody & Support Resolution: Virginia courts always focus on the interests of the child, but for military families, that means additional consideration for deployments, access to base facilities, and the impact of possible relocations. Our team crafts proposed solutions that reflect your current duties and obligations.
- Final Orders & Implementation: We oversee the entry of final orders, guide you through accessing or updating military benefits after divorce, and ensure all child support and property division is completed according to both military rules and Virginia law.
Because military divorces often involve additional legal requirements, our military divorce lawyer in Virginia takes extra steps to ensure compliance. For example, dividing retirement benefits may require specific language in court orders to satisfy DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) requirements, while the timing of court proceedings may be impacted by pending deployments or training. Local courts throughout Virginia, particularly in areas with a strong military presence, are accustomed to these challenges—but your lawyer’s role is to anticipate obstacles and keep the process moving even when military duties change unexpectedly. We prioritize proactive scheduling and frequent updates to give you a sense of security and consistent progress as your case advances.
We provide approachable, knowledgeable service that demystifies Virginia military divorce, sets clear goals, and maps out practical steps for moving ahead. Reach out to us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Military Pension Divided in a Virginia Divorce?
Military pensions are subject to equitable distribution in Virginia. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) allows state courts to divide military retirement as property, according to Virginia’s laws—the amount and method depend on the length of marriage and overlap with military service.
What Protections Exist if I Am Deployed During the Divorce Process?
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow for a stay or delay of certain proceedings if active duty interferes with participation in your case. Virginia courts are familiar with these federal protections and routinely grant accommodations as needed.
Will Custody Arrangements Consider My Military Obligations?
Yes. Child custody and visitation orders in Virginia must consider deployment, possible relocations, and the service member’s commitments, aiming to preserve ongoing parent-child relationships and provide alternatives during absences.
Can My Spouse Keep Their Military Health Benefits After Divorce?
Eligibility for continuing health coverage depends on the length of the marriage and the time overlapping with military service. Some may qualify for TRICARE under the 20/20/20 or 20/20/15 rules, while others lose access after divorce except for transitional programs.
Do I Have to Be a Virginia Resident To File for Divorce Here?
One party must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before filing. Service members stationed in Virginia typically meet this requirement, even if their legal home of record is elsewhere.
Trusting The Griffin Law Firm means placing your needs, and your family’s welfare, at the forefront of every decision. Contact us today.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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"Highly Knowledgeable and Passionate"
Marshall's communication style and understanding of the military law system is exceptional. As a person who has never hired a lawyer before, it was a breeze working with him. He was very knowledgeable of the situation I found myself in, and actually opened- John -
"Attorney Griffin argued with determination and commitment"
The best attorney anyone could have, without a doubt, is Marshall Griffin. He was invaluable during an extremely difficult time when our son was accused of a wrongful charge. We didn’t know what to do or who to turn to while dealing with legalities, military codes, and the overwhelming emotions of knowing our son had been charged with something very serious. Marshall made himself available for all of our needs; most importantly our son’s needs. He worked relentlessly while leading an incredible team to prove innocence. Faith in the justicial system and belief that a wrongful charge would not define a person are two of the many core values of Marshall that make him an exceptional person. Attorney Griffin argued with determination and commitment that we will be eternally grateful for.- Linda -
"Would recommend him to anyone."
Attorney Marshall recently represented my son in a legal matter. He was very understanding, patient and displayed a level of professionalism that surpassed expectation. Would recommend him to anyone.- Karen -
"I wholeheartedly endorse the Griffin Law Firm!"
I hired Mr. Griffin after I got a urinalysis result that I knew was wrong. Right from the start, he believed me and was willing to fight for me. In the end, with the expert counsel from Mr. Griffin, we beat the urinalysis and I was able to continue my career and my life. I wholeheartedly endorse the Griffin Law Firm!- William -
"Very lucky when I found The Griffin Law Firm"
I was looking online for an attorney who was specializing in military law regarding Survivor Spouse Benefit. I spoke with a few of them and have been told that my case is complicated. I didn’t feel like they were knowledgeable enough in this specific area of law or were willing to help.
I considered myself very lucky when I found The Griffin Law Firm. During our first conversation Marshall made me feel like I was talking to a good friend who I can trust. He clearly saw the problem and told me right away what he will do to resolve it. Marshall’s high professionalism, prompt acting, quick responsiveness, and willingness to help are outstanding. I greatly appreciate Marshall’s help and will recommend him to anyone who will be looking for knowledgeable and caring military lawyer.- Lana -
"The best person to have on your side."
CDR Griffin is a consummate professional and a rare gem in the sometimes shady and “who you know” world of law. His integrity and keen ability to look at all the facts and sort through what is or is not relevant sets him above others. His dedication to his faith, family and profession is evident in all aspects of his life enabling him to be the best person to have on your side.
His extensive experience with military and maritime law make him the right choice for your needs. No matter how complex my situation became, Marshall was able to explain the different approaches from all angles as a direct result of his experience as a Commanding Officer and Military/Civilian attorney.
If your considering legal advice or representation Marshall should be your first call. I will continue to use him without hesitation in the future.- Joseph
