Military Retirement & Pension Benefits
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
The Challenge Of Dividing Military Retirement And Pension Funds
The divorce process can strike a number of different emotions for people. Military families often face emotional and financial challenges that are very complicated to deal with. The divorce process can be even more complex if the military member is deployed overseas. As you go through the divorce process, you should seek advice and guidance from an experienced attorney.
The Burch Shepard Family Law Group, is led by two partners — Robert Burch and Courtney L. Shepard — are Certified Family Law Specialists by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This is a level of distinction that fewer than 1 percent of lawyers in the state receive. Additionally, Courtney Shepard is a graduate of the American Bar Association (ABA) Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute. Our level of recognition, trial experience and proven track record make our firm a premier choice for legal representation.
Military Retirement and Pension Benefits Attorneys
Courts consider a number of different factors when dividing benefits, such as private retirement accounts and pensions, in military divorce. At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, we have a clear understanding of the law and know what factors will be considered during the property and asset division process. For instance, we know that courts will look at the length of the marriage, date of the dissolution and the length of time served in the military when dividing benefits.
Considering Your Best Interests
Because these benefits are typically the largest assets divided in divorce, all aspects of the situation must be evaluated by an experienced military divorce lawyer. At our firm, not only do we have significant experience representing clients in military divorce, but we also have represented clients in complex and high net worth divorce proceedings. We address all issues upfront so they can be resolved promptly and do not raise complications post-judgment.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Certified Family Law Specialists
Call us at (949) 565-4158 today to schedule your consultation. Our lawyers have the experience you need!
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 949-565-4158 today!
Do I Have to be a California Resident to Divorce Here?
To file for divorce, you must be able to prove California residency for six months and residency in the county where you file for at least three months. The respondent or "defendant" spouse in a divorce case does not have to be a California resident, however.
What are Some of the Key Early Steps in the Divorce Process, and How Long Does it Take?
Divorce proceedings begin when either spouse files a petition that is served on the other. The person served then has 30 days to file a response, or the case proceeds without that response toward a likely final judgment about six months later.
If there is a response, the parties begin the process of exchanging information and, typically, attempting to negotiate a marital settlement agreement either on their own or in a mandatory conference in court. Every case is different, and the entire process can take anywhere from months to several years.
Do I Need to Prove My Spouse Is at Fault for Causing the Divorce?
No. California is a "no fault" divorce state. Grounds for divorce are not considered, although the court may consider many factors when issuing orders on child custody and other issues.
How Do I Get Started if I Have Decided I Want a Divorce — or a Legal Separation?
Our divorce attorneys strongly encourage you to contact an experienced, qualified lawyer — ideally, one who focuses exclusively on family law. Pursuing a do-it-yourself divorce is legal but filled with traps and potential complications.
At the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, our Orange County divorce lawyers have guided many hundreds of men and women through divorces of all levels of complexity. We emphasize preparation and results, always putting our clients' needs and best interests first.
