SAN DIEGO

Military Divorce ATTORNEY

Led by experienced San Diego military divorce attorney Scott Levin, San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law helps service members and their spouses navigate the unique challenges of military divorces with compassion, fairness, and efficiency. By prioritizing amicable solutions, Scott helps military families avoid the stress and expense of traditional litigation, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives.

A divorce can be a complicated process and a military divorce can be even more complicated. Military divorces often involve complex issues such as military pensions, benefits, and deployments, which require a knowledgeable mediator who understands the intricacies of military family law.

Military divorce attorney mediator Scott Levin is proud to support military members and their families in Oceanside, Point Loma, Coronado, Mira Mesa and nearby San Diego communities by specializing in military divorce mediation. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and experienced family law mediator, Scott Levin ensures that a fair and thoughtful settlement is reached and approved without clients needing to go to court.

Whether you are a service member facing a high-conflict divorce, dealing with child custody challenges across state or international lines, or needing guidance on dividing military benefits, our firm is here to help. We understand the demands of military life and work diligently to provide solutions tailored to your unique circumstances.

we specialize in the complexities of military divorce

Deployment & Divorce

After you file for a divorce, the courts expect you to make progress in finding an agreement that will allow you and your spouse to separate in an agreeable manner. However, if one or both spouses are on active duty, they may not be able to meet the deadlines. A military divorce lawyer will be able to help you with the timeframe as to when paperwork needs to be filed.

Child & Spousal Support

For those in the military, the combined amount for child and spousal support cannot exceed 60% of the payer’s income. This rule is specific to military personnel and does not apply to civilians. Make sure that your divorce settlement reflects that rule.

Military Retirement Benefits

A successful career in the military entitles a military officer to retirement benefits. But, in the case of a divorce, how much of these benefits will extend to the ex-spouse? Speak to a San Diego military divorce lawyer to get the facts.

Survivorship Benefits

Because of the inherent dangers of being in the military, officers often have a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). This plan pays monies to the surviving spouse so that they can manage their lives despite the loss of a spouse. However, if the officer died after a divorce, the surviving spouse may not be eligible for the Survivorship Benefits. In addition, if the officer marries someone else, the benefits will go to only one of the spouses, not both. As you can imagine, this can get quite messy.

Why Choose Our Military Divorce Attorney in San Diego?

San Diego is home to several major military installations, and our firm understands the day-to-day realities of military families.

  • Local Expertise: Knowledge of California divorce laws and federal regulations impacting military families.
  • Tailored Strategies: Solutions designed to accommodate unpredictable deployment schedules and the demands of military service.
  • Compassion & Respect: A commitment to representing both active-duty service members and civilian spouses with integrity and understanding.

Where to divorce in San Diego if living near your military base

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton:
Located north of San Diego, near Oceanside. Members will rely on the North County Superior Courthouse located at 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

Naval Base San Diego
Situated in the South Bay region of San Diego. Members will visit the South County Superior Courthouse located at 500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar
Located in central San Diego 5 miles east of UTC and nestled to the west of Scripps Ranch and south of Mira Mesa. Members will file for divorce at the Central Superior Courthouse located at 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

Naval Base Coronado
Comprising several facilities, including North Island and Silver Strand, and located on the Island of Coronado. Members will rely on the Central Superior Courthouse located at 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

San Diego Military Divorce

Work with an Experienced San Diego Military Divorce Lawyer

If you need helpful information about San Diego military divorce, our experienced team is here to provide personalized legal guidance. Contact San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law at  858-255-1321 or complete our online consultation form to discuss your situation. We’ll work together to develop a strategy that respects your service, safeguards your family, and protects your future financial well-being.

What San Diego Military Divorce Clients Say

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Divorce in San Diego

Possibly but we help many active duty members through the divorce process when their spouse is residing in California or if they maintain California residency. California courts can handle military divorces if you or your spouse meets residency requirements. We can advise you on filing options based on your circumstances.

It depends on factors like length of marriage overlapping with military service and USFSPA guidelines. We’ll help you navigate the division process to ensure fairness. In mediation, it is also possible to make a deal so that the military pension is kept by the member and the spouse receives other value in exchange.

Yes. Courts often allow temporary modifications to custody arrangements during deployment. We can help you request adjustments that consider your child’s best interests. Child custody after divorce is one of the key reasons you should consider hiring our firm. We help co-parents by asking what will happen in the future if the active duty member is stationed outside of San Diego or California or outside of the United States. We help you figure out solutions to this possibility during the divorce process so that you can have a plan in place when it happens. This way, the children and the member continue to maintain ongoing contact without having to resort to getting court orders to set this up.