Why Do Fort Campbell Military Couples Face Higher Divorce Rates?
Being an active-duty service member can put a strain on your relationship. Many marriages do not survive the harsh adaptability and constant demand that military service often requires. It can be difficult to try to keep your relationship from imploding when your spouse is often deployed in service of their country. Many times, it’s no one’s fault that your marriage can’t survive the military. You may wonder, why do Fort Campbell military couples face higher divorce rates?
The legal team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC can help you work through a military divorce, which is often much more difficult and complex to finalize than a civilian divorce. Military divorces have to go through particular legal struggles that regular divorces simply don’t. For example, thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the spouse at home cannot be granted a divorce if their spouse is deployed. The case is on hold until they return.
Why Do Fort Campbell Military Couples Face Higher Divorce Rates?
The reason why Fort Campbell military couples, as well as military couples in bases across the country, face a higher divorce rate than civilians is that active military service often puts a particular strain on a relationship that few other walks of life can. It’s important to recognize the potential issues you may face in a military marriage that you may not face in a civilian marriage. If you can work through these together and overcome them, you may not have to get divorced.
Unfortunately, many couples are not able to work through these issues. The strain of a military divorce can also lead to added stress when deciding on child custody arrangements, spousal support, and the potential division of military benefits. As one of the largest military bases, with over 30,000 active duty personnel on base, the likelihood of divorce is relatively high. The installation spans across four separate counties, two in Kentucky and two in Tennessee.
Common Causes of Military Divorce
Military couples are not immune to the regular stresses of marriage, but they do have to deal with particular lifestyle issues that other couples may never have to deal with. It is important to recognize the common causes of military divorces so you can try to work through them if they happen to you. If not, you may want to reach out to an experienced military divorce lawyer for help. Here are some of the common causes of military divorce:
- Deployment Stress: The stress of a long deployment can cause all sorts of issues in a marriage. The extended periods of separation, the stress over the deployed spouse’s safety, and the possible emotional trauma that may be present when they return can all severely impact the strength of your marriage. The joys of seeing each other every day may not be present for military couples.
- Instability: One of the unfortunate aspects of military life is the constant relocation. When you are constantly moving, it can be hard to establish friendships, put down roots, and be part of a community. It can breed instability, which can then impact the marriage. If there are children involved, the instability can hit even harder.
- Infidelity: When couples are apart for long periods of time, some people may find it difficult not to stray. Infidelity can be quite common among military spouses, both with the spouse staying at home and with the spouse who is deployed. Ultimately, each spouse in the marriage has to be clear about their boundaries. If those boundaries are crossed, it’s not uncommon for divorce to be the next step.
FAQs
Q: Which Military Branch Has the Highest Divorce Rate?
A: The military branch with the highest divorce rate is the Air Force, with a rate of 3% as of 2020. It’s difficult to determine why the Air Force specifically has a higher divorce rate than the other branches, with the Navy sitting at the lowest with 2.6%. Military divorces can be caused by many different factors, including long deployments, financial stress, a lack of stability, infidelity, and the unique stresses that come with life in the military.
Q: Why Do So Many Military Couples Divorce?
A: There are many different reasons why so many military couples divorce. Every military marriage goes through its own trials and tribulations, just like civilian marriages. The difference is that military marriages have to suffer through unique situations that civilian marriages simply never have to deal with, such as frequent deployments and relocations. A long time apart can lead to infidelity and a breakdown of the marriage itself.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Military Divorce?
A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer for a military divorce. It is recommended that you hire a lawyer anytime you are dealing with a legal issue, but a military divorce can get particularly complicated and messy. If you don’t have experienced legal support, there is a strong chance you will lose big in the divorce. Choosing the right lawyer to represent you can be the most important decision you make during your divorce.
Q: What Is the 10/10 Rule in a Military Divorce?
A: The 10/10 rule in a military divorce refers to the requirements that a couple must meet in order for a former spouse to receive a portion of their service member spouse’s military retirement pay. For this to happen, the couple has to have been married for at least 10 years. During that time, the service member has to have performed at least 10 years of creditable military service.
Reach Out to an Experienced Military Divorce Lawyer Today
The military divorce rate is high, and the causes for military divorces may be unique to life in the military. Civilians may never have to deal with specific stresses found only in the military. If you are going through a military divorce, you should reach out to an experienced military defense lawyer to represent you through it.
The legal team at Mathis, Bates & Klinghard PLLC can provide you with the resources you need to come out on top in your divorce. Contact us to speak to a member of our experienced legal team today.
