What are the different types of divorce in the military?
Divorce in the military is handled differently than divorces for civilians. In the military, there are three types of divorce: contested divorce, uncontested divorce, and Summary Court Martial (SCM) divorce. Contested divorces are similar to civilian divorces in many ways. They involve both spouses filing papers with the Court, initiating court proceedings, and going through a settlement or trial. Both spouses present evidence regarding child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of assets and debts. In the military, each branch of the service has their own court system to manage issues related to divorce, and each state has its own rules and regulations regarding military divorce. Uncontested divorces are those where both parties agree on how to handle the issues related to the divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both parties file a joint petition with the Court, and the case is completed much faster than a contested divorce. The third type of divorce in the military is a Summary Court Martial (SCM). This type of divorce is usually reserved for service members dealing with adultery. It is not an actual court proceeding, but it is legal and binding. The commanding officer of the service member will conduct an investigation and then make a decision on whether or not to grant a divorce. A military divorce is complicated, and it is important that anyone considering a divorce consult with a lawyer who has experience dealing with military legal matters. Every state and every branch of service has different laws and procedures regarding divorces, so it is important to understand the details before pursuing a divorce.
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