There's seldom any aspect of divorce that seems to be easy, especially when you're in the thick of it. Child custody is one of the most challenging aspects to sort out in a divorce. 

Child custody might look a bit different if you're a military service member in Panama City. You may want to learn more about how a military divorce diverges from any prior perceptions you may have about the process. 

How is child custody different for service members?

Members of our nation's armed forces often worry about what will happen to their kids and their parent-child relationships if deployed. Of course, civilian parents have similar concerns, but the main issue that sets military parents apart is the possibility of long absences from their children.

Common child custody questions that service members often have

If you currently serve in the armed forces and have children, you likely have many questions about your military divorce and custody issues. Some of the questions we see in our practice include the following.

Will my military status affect my custody rights?

Ideally, service members have the same child custody rights everyone else enjoys. However, the concern over losing access to your children remains an issue for those serving our country. An effective way to protect your rights is to seek experienced representation from a family law attorney

Can my ex modify our child custody arrangement during my deployment?

Fortunately, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act prevents default judgments in any civil proceeding, including custody matters, when the service member is not present. In other words, the government wants to protect you against any unfair civil decisions when you are not there to represent yourself.

Will my co-parent automatically win custody during my deployment?

Family law courts in all states must put the needs and best interests of the child first when making custody decisions. Courts strive to be fair, but it's possible to slip through the cracks in some cases. To avoid this and other unfavorable outcomes, it is wise to have a legal professional ready to protect you and your child's interests while you are away.

If you would like to learn more about child custody matters involving service members, we urge you to continue exploring our website.