Navigating Divorce

If you’ve decided that ending your marriage is the best path forward, the road ahead may seem uncertain. As you move forward, remember that your decisions now may have a lasting effect on your family.

Divorce can be hard on the whole family. The breakup of a marriage is an emotional and stressful time for parents and for their children who may have trouble adjusting to the many changes in their lives. Non-medical counseling and other sources of support are available.

Keeping up with a fitness routine, eating a healthy diet and practicing self-care during difficult times can help reduce stress. The article, Being Your Best: How Healthy Are Your Habits? can help you identify harmful habits and ways to overcome them.

Check out these resources for well-being:

Military benefits, including health benefits, moving costs, housing and more, will be affected by divorce. In addition, your finances and custody of your children will all have to be settled as your marriage ends. The military has legal and financial consultants to help navigate the process.

State law and local procedures largely govern divorce, but there are a few federal statutes and military regulations that may apply. You can access free military legal assistance to make sure you are abiding by the laws and rules. Attorneys at an installation Legal Assistance Office can’t represent their clients in court, but they can provide free information and advice on issues such as:

• Divorce and child custody
• Income tax considerations
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
• Wills