Military Divorce Lawyer in Ventura

Navigating Complex & Emotional Legal Issues

Even with straightforward divorces, there is an extensive list of factors to take into consideration when one or both partners involved are in the military. The process is further complicated with additional laws and considerations. Attorney Paul Zahn has over 15 years of family law experience and has handled many military divorce cases. He has the knowledge necessary to walk you through your legal matter.

What Sets a Military Divorce Apart

Because active military members typically live on base or overseas, there are laws in place to ensure they are not divorced without ever being aware. California law requires that the filing party notifies their spouse of the proceedings regardless of where in the world they reside.

California state laws further dictate that the divorce papers are served directly to the party being divorced. If he or she is stationed stateside, the papers can be delivered in person or by mail with a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt. If overseas, they are to be served by certified mail with return receipt to their Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address. However, this process can be complicated in some countries and may require the additional assistance of the base commander or base operations manager.

Contested Military Divorce

The law can enable active duty service members to delay a divorce relatively easily. This serves as a safeguard from being stationed somewhere that prevents them from participating in the legal proceedings.

Summary Dissolutions

Conversely, if the divorce is uncontested you may qualify for the simpler option of a summary dissolution. In this case, both spouses file a Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution. It is possible for a partner deployed overseas to sign the petition and return it by mail.

This option is available for those who:

• Have been married for 5 years or less
• Do not have children
• Possess minimal assets and debts
• Are not seeking any form of spousal support

Our Ventura Divorce Attorneys Are Eager to Serve You

We are grateful for the sacrifices of our military and will do our best to make this process as smooth as possible for all involved. We offer experienced legal service at reasonable rates with payment plans available to ensure the help you need is within reach.