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Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law
Serving Northwest Louisiana for 25 Years 318-633-0186
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Military Divorce

Bossier City Military Divorce Attorney

Trusted Legal Guidance for Service Members and Their Families in Bossier City, LA

Military families face unique challenges, especially when it comes to divorce. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we understand the complex legal, emotional, and financial issues that arise when one or both spouses are members of the military. As a trusted Bossier City military divorce lawyer, our firm is here to guide you through every step of the process with skill, compassion, and respect for your service.

Whether you're stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base or deployed abroad, we ensure that your rights are protected, and your interests are represented.

Contact us today at (318) 633-0186 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Issues Involved in Military Divorce in Louisiana

Divorce is never easy, but military divorces involve specific legal complexities that differ from civilian divorces. In Louisiana, several issues must be addressed, including:

Residency and Jurisdiction

To file for divorce in Louisiana, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. For military families, determining jurisdiction can be tricky, especially if the service member is stationed out-of-state or overseas. A Bossier City military divorce lawyer can help determine the proper venue for filing.

Division of Military Pensions and Benefits

Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), military retirement benefits are treated as marital property and can be divided in a divorce. Louisiana follows community property laws, which means pensions earned during the marriage may be subject to a 50/50 division.

Child Custody and Visitation

When a military parent is subject to deployments or relocations, custody arrangements must be flexible. Louisiana courts prioritize the best interests of the child while recognizing the demands of military service.

Child and Spousal Support

Both child support and spousal support (alimony) are determined based on Louisiana’s guidelines. However, the military also imposes its own financial support requirements, and failure to comply can result in disciplinary action. Calculating income for military members requires consideration of base pay, housing allowance (BAH), and other entitlements.

Health Care and Commissary Benefits

Former spouses may retain military benefits under the 20/20/20 rule—if the marriage lasted 20 years, the service member served 20 years, and the periods overlapped for at least 20 years. Our attorneys help you determine if you qualify and assist in navigating the process.

Special Considerations of Military Divorce

Military divorces present logistical and legal challenges that require specialized knowledge. Some of the unique factors include:

Deployment and Active Duty Protections

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active-duty military members from default judgments and may allow for a stay (delay) in divorce proceedings while on deployment. These protections ensure service members have the ability to participate meaningfully in their cases.

Relocation and PCS Orders

Military members often face permanent change of station (PCS) orders. In divorce cases involving children, relocation must be approved by the court, especially if it impacts custody or visitation. A skilled Bossier City military divorce attorney can help you petition for or contest relocation depending on your circumstances.

Military Pay and Benefits Calculations

Calculating income for support purposes involves more than base salary. Military members often receive variable entitlements such as BAH, BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence), special pay, and bonuses. These must be accurately reported to avoid disputes.

Security Clearances and Divorce

A divorce—especially one involving allegations of misconduct, domestic violence, or financial instability—can impact a service member’s security clearance. We help navigate sensitive issues to protect your reputation and your career.

FAQs About Military Divorce in Bossier City, LA

Can I file for divorce in Louisiana if I’m stationed elsewhere?

Yes, if you or your spouse has maintained Louisiana residency, you can file in the state—even if you are currently stationed in another state or country.

How is custody decided if I’m deployed?

The court will consider the best interests of the child. If deployment interferes with parenting time, the court may grant temporary custody to the other parent or a designated family member. You can also request a modified plan to accommodate your schedule.

Can my spouse take part of my military retirement?

Yes. Under federal and Louisiana law, your spouse may be entitled to a portion of your military retirement earned during the marriage. This is not automatic, and the exact percentage is determined by the court.

What happens if my spouse and I both serve in the military?

Dual-military divorces can complicate custody, support, and benefits. Our firm is experienced in navigating these matters and will work to protect your rights and parental relationship.

What if I don’t want to delay the divorce, but my spouse is deployed?

The court may grant a delay if your spouse invokes their SCRA rights. However, we can often work around deployment through virtual hearings, temporary orders, or negotiated settlements.

Why Choose Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law as Your Bossier City Military Divorce Lawyer?

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we’re committed to supporting those who serve. With years of experience handling military divorces in Bossier City, we offer:

  • In-depth knowledge of military and Louisiana family law
  • Flexible meeting options for deployed or out-of-town service members
  • Compassionate counsel tailored to your unique family dynamics
  • Aggressive representation when your rights or your future are at risk

We proudly serve military families in Bossier City and surrounding communities, including those stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base. Whether you are initiating divorce proceedings or responding to them, our firm will guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Reach out at (318) 633-0186 for a consultation, where we’ll start building a strategy tailored to your needs.

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