St. Petersburg Military Divorce Lawyers
Members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses face unique challenges when navigating divorce, from understanding and meeting residency requirements to determining how to divide military benefits. To put it plainly, these challenges can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you have an ally in Plotnick Law Offices.
Since 2004, our firm has represented numerous service members and their spouses. Our St. Petersburg military divorce attorneys have a deep understanding of Florida family law, which can be at your disposal. Not to mention, they take genuine pride in supporting clients through difficult times, so you can count on them to work compassionately with you and your family.
Are you an active-duty service member who has been served divorce papers? Have you considered filing for divorce while stationed at one of Tampa Bay's military bases but are unsure where to start? In these cases and others, contact Plotnick Law Offices.
Schedule a consultation to get answers to your questions by calling (727) 619-1827 or submitting our firm's online contact form. We serve Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties from four convenient office locations.
Why Choose Plotnick Law Offices?
Experience, Commitment, and Personalized Care
As a former prosecutor, we understand how to build strong cases. Our hands-on approach ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
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Experience That Matters
Led by a former prosecutor, Plotnick Law Offices offers unique insights and strategic advantages for every case. Our deep understanding of the legal system ensures that we can effectively advocate for your rights and best interests.
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Relentless Preparation
Success begins with preparation. We leave no stone unturned when investigating and building your case, ensuring that every detail is thoroughly examined to strengthen your position.
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Hands-On Advocacy
When you choose Plotnick Law Offices, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish. We don’t shuffle clients between attorneys—you’ll always have consistent and reliable guidance.
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Personalized Representation
At Plotnick Law Offices, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your case strategy is tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Residency Requirements for Florida Military Divorces
To file for divorce in Florida, you or your spouse must be a state resident for at least six months. Meeting this requirement can be complicated for service members.
Fortunately, Florida law allows for some exceptions to this requirement. For example, if you are stationed in Florida or have officially declared it as your state of legal residence, you may be able to file for divorce in Florida without meeting the six-month residency requirement.
As another example, you may have resided in Florida with your spouse before deployment. If you intend to return to Florida and make it your permanent residence, this may be sufficient for the court to establish jurisdiction over your divorce.
While these exceptions may apply to your circumstances, they are not guaranteed. To learn more about our state's residency requirements and what they mean for your divorce, consult our team at Plotnick Law Offices.
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“I cannot thank you enough for your help, Marc, honestly. I made a stupid mistake and it took you no time to take care of the situation.”- Frank M.
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“I would definitely recommend them to someone in need of any attorney services.”- Priestly V.
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“He is compassionate and helpful.”- Carolyn A.
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“In the end, the result was way over my expectations.”- J. Hughes
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“Quick to respond to communications and always kept me informed during the entire process.”- Michael K.
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“I truly appreciate everything he did and his communication with me was greatly appreciated.”- Tawna L.
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“Nothing is worse than waiting around wondering what’s going to happen to you, which didn’t happen at all after hiring Marc.”- Jared
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“When I tell you they treat you like family, that's no lie!”- Jeffrey B.
Want to learn more about the team behind your case? Visit our About page to meet Marc F. Plotnick and Paul S. Horning, and discover how their experience can make a difference for you.
Dividing Military Benefits in a Florida Divorce
Military service often has unique benefits, including retirement pay, healthcare coverage, and housing allowances. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) allows for the division of military benefits in divorce. As a civilian, you may only receive portions of retirement pay if your marriage lasted 10 years and your spouse was in the military for 10 years.
Can You Keep TRICARE Benefits?
The TRICARE program offers health insurance for service members and their families, but what happens to your coverage after a divorce?
You can generally keep TRICARE benefits if:
- You were married to a service member for at least 20 years
- The service member has served for at least 20 years
- There was an overlap of these periods
Additionally, if you do not qualify for continued TRICARE coverage, you may be eligible for temporary transitional healthcare coverage, known as the TRICARE Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP).
Protecting Military Benefits During Divorce
Dividing property in divorce, let alone military benefits, is complex and requires careful attention to detail. Our St. Petersburg military divorce attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can work diligently to achieve fair and equitable division. Our team can also coordinate with military officials to see that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
Child Custody & Military Divorce
If you are a service member going through a divorce, one of your primary concerns may be the custody of your children. Our attorneys understand that deployment and relocation can complicate child custody matters, and we collaborate with clients to find the best solutions for their unique situations.
Florida courts will ultimately make custody decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child, taking into consideration factors such as each parent's stability, relationship with the child, and ability to provide care. Should you find yourself embroiled in a custody dispute, we can work to build a strong case to preserve your parental rights and give you the time you deserve with your child.
Lean on Our Experience in Your Military Divorce
With over 35+ years of combined experience, our attorneys have the skills and know-how to be your guide and advocate in divorce. To learn more about our firm and what we can offer, arrange a consultation. We have four conveniently located offices where we can conduct these initial meetings. Virtual consultations are also available.
Call (727) 619-1827 or reach out to us online to speak with a St. Petersburg military divorce lawyer about your case.