Your family & your future
Make space for conversations about parenting, upcoming moves, deployment schedules, and a workable next chapter.
Prepare family questions ↗A new chapter. A steady hand.
You served together.
Now find your
path forward.
Military life is complicated. Your next step doesn’t have to feel impossible. Find a clearer starting point for separation, divorce, and the life ahead.
For service members, veterans, and military spouses.
EVERY BRANCH. EVERY FAMILY.ARMYMARINE CORPSNAVYAIR FORCESPACE FORCECOAST GUARD
Clarity before complexity
A different kind of life.
A different set of questions.
Orders. Moves. Time apart. Shared sacrifices. When a military marriage changes, there is more to think about than the paperwork.
Start by organizing what matters to you, then take those questions to a qualified attorney. This independent resource helps you prepare for that conversation.
Start with what you can do today ↗Get your bearings
01 — 03Your financial picture
Bring your questions about income, shared debts, retirement, housing, and benefits into one organized conversation.
Prepare financial questions ↗Your support system
Find official military resources and identify the legal and personal support you want around you.
Find a place to begin ↗One manageable step at a time
You don’t need every answer.
Just a place to start.
Choose your focus to build a practical preparation list. Check off what you’ve done, then print or save your list for a conversation with an attorney.
No account. No personal details requested. Your selections stay on this page and reset when you reload.
Your next-step checklist
What’s on your mind?
A preparation tool, not a legal assessment. An attorney can help determine what applies to your situation.
There is life
on the other side
of this chapter.
on the other side
of this chapter.
You don’t have to do this alone
Good information.
Grounded support.
Begin with these official resources. Each opens the provider’s website, where you can check current services and eligibility.
Military OneSource ↗Explore military life resources and support for service members and families.
Military legal assistance ↗Look for a legal assistance office and ask about available help and referrals.
DFAS former-spouse resources ↗Review official information and bring retirement-pay questions to your attorney.
TRICARE life events ↗Find the official starting point for questions about divorce and health coverage.
A little clarity goes a long way.
Is this a law firm or a government website?
No. Armed Forces Divorces is an independent educational resource. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal representation, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. military or any government agency. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Where should I begin if I’m just considering separation?
Start with the checklist above. Write down your questions and organize documents you can lawfully access. A licensed attorney can discuss your circumstances, jurisdiction, timing, and options before you make decisions.
Can both service members and spouses use these resources?
Yes. This site is designed for service members, veterans, and military spouses, including families of every background. External providers set their own eligibility and service requirements; check directly with them.
Can the checklist tell me what I’m entitled to?
No. The checklist helps you prepare questions. It does not calculate entitlements or determine custody, benefits, support, or property rights. Those questions require advice specific to your circumstances and applicable law.
Are my checklist answers saved or submitted?
No. This checklist runs in your browser without an account and does not submit your selections. They reset when you reload the page. Printing or saving a PDF creates a copy on your device. Links to other websites are governed by those providers’ practices.
Your next chapter belongs to you
A steadier tomorrow
starts with one step today.
Take your first step ↗You don’t have to figure it all out at once.