Military Pensions

We often get questions on military pensions and whether there is any truth that if a couple has not been married for 10 years the spouse is excluded for sharing in the pension. The answer is YES. but only if you read the fine print and look at the case law.

A review of  USFSPA provides military retirement payments may not be made "under this section" to a former spouse who was not married to the service member for at least 10 years. 10 U.S.C. Sec. 1408(d)(2). The 10-year requirement applies only to military retirement pay paid directly by the military finance center to the former spouse.

 Virginia appellate  courts have stated while a 10-year marriage is a condition for direct payment, failure to meet the 10-year requirement does not bar the court's division of a spouse's military retirement pay. Cook v. Cook , 18 Va. App. 726, 446 S.E.2d 894 (1994).

Likewise, the Court have held that even if the military personnel has not served 20 years and is not fully vested, not mean that the spouse is excluded. Like any pension, the military pension is a deferred compensation and can be includable for consideration in a divorce. Similarly, The marital estate for purposes of dividing the pension, includes only that portion of a military pension which is earned during the marriage.

Our family law section is headed by STUART H. GROZBEAN. Mr. Grozbean was named to "Who's Who" in 1998, 1999, 2000. He is now a life member of "Who's Who", a prestigious national recognition of outstanding professionals in the United States. He is also the developer of the child support guidelines program in Maryland. His program is widely used by Judges, Masters and Lawyers in  Maryland.

Mr. Grozbean has been quoted in the Washington Post, USA Today and on various television and news channels

Divorce Lawyer Maryland :: Maryland Divorce :: Computer And Divorce  ::  Legal Grounds Divorce ::  Maryland Divorce Separation  ::  Domestic Violence  Military Pensions  ::  Negotiation Litigation  ::  Maryland Divorce Laws  ::  Divorce Financial Worksheet  ::  Maryland Mediation
Prenuptial Agreement :: COBRA Insurance ::  Maryland Residency :: Maryland Definition of Income Child Support :: Site Map

Note: Telephone Conversation / consultation does not create an attorney client privilege and is only meant to provide general information. If you intend to create an attorney client relationship and privileges you must set an office appointment. Free consultation does not apply to employment matters.

* Free domestic consultation for up to 10 minutes by phone or in person for new potential clients only. To be determined by law firm.

**Affiliate offices are separately owned and operated law firms. No other inference of connection is implied or represented. Law firm does not assume any responsibility or liability express or implied as to any other affiliate office.

***Credit card fees may apply.

We provide legal services in Maryland (MD) mediation for families in the Maryland counties of Montgomery county, Frederick, prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Rockville, silver spring, Baltimore county, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Kensington, Washington county, Rockville Washington,  Potomac, Darnestown, Olney, sandy springs, Derwood, king farm, Kentland, greenbelt USA litigator STUART H. GROZBEAN. HENRY E. WEIL Maryland Divorce Attorney now available.