Married members of the armed forces deployed throughout the world understand the verb adapt. The comprehensive effects of divorce extend their tentacles into the relationships between parent and child. Even the most adaptable, however, sometimes lose the war of love to the enemies of time and distance.
Military divorce numbers have dropped, temporarily
Not all of the more than 20,000 active-duty Arizonians may wage a domestic battle while deployed, however. Divorce rates throughout the military dropped between 2019 and 2020. The backlog in courts over the past year accounts for that more than any other factor.
Women commenced more than two-thirds of all divorce actions during that time.
Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act
Legislation exists in Arizona to address issues regarding child custody, from legal decision making and parenting time (LDMPT) to modifications of existing orders. Military service involves stressors often those who reside domestically may not appreciate. Frequent relocation commands significant and unplanned adjustments in lifestyle, education, job placement, for virtually every family member.
Every family separated by divorce confronts specific issues that require an understanding of how to craft solutions to best protect a party’s specific interests. Deployed members of the military who have divorced and share custody of their child fall within an even narrower set of rules regarding LDMPT. An attorney with experience in these matters may provide guidance in this area.