Military divorces are much like civilian divorces in most ways. They go through the Florida civilian family courts and are subject to state laws just like any other dissolution of marriage.
However, those in the military as well as those getting divorced from military servicemembers may have unique concerns because of military benefits and rules. The military takes care of considerations like housing and health insurance that a dependant spouse may not be able to provide for themselves or the minor children in the family.
Younger couples may worry about housing benefits and health insurance for children. The good news is that dependent children should still qualify for military health benefits even after a divorce. However, as the divorcing spouse of a servicemember, your right to benefits will depend on the 20/20/20 rule.
You have to meet three conditions to qualify for post-divorce benefits
If you hope to retain your spouse’s military health benefits after divorce, you will need to look at the three qualifying factors included in the 20/20/20 rule. First of all, your spouse will have had to have served actively in the military for at least 20 years. Secondly, your marriage must have lasted for at least 20 years. Finally, at least 20 years of active service must have occurred during your marriage.
If you need all three of those qualifications, you can continue to get military health benefits even after you divorce your spouse. Unless you remarry, you can potentially receive those benefits for life. If you have questions about health insurance or other unique concerns that apply to military divorces, talking with an attorney about those worries now can help you plan for the future.
