What Every Virginia Military Wife Needs to Know About Divorce?

In a regular divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months prior to the commencement of the divorce action. In a military divorce, the military spouse must have been stationed in Virginia for at least six months, but doesn't have to plan to stay in Virginia.

Is it illegal to cheat on your spouse in Virginia?

It is a ground for divorce under Virginia Code § 20-91. It is also illegal, a Class 4 misdemeanor according to Virginia Code § 18.2-365. While adultery as a crime is rarely, if ever, prosecuted, the fact that adultery is still technically illegal in Virginia has a significant impact on many divorce cases.

Will I lose my husbands military pension if I remarry?

Military rules make it clear that when an ex-military spouse remarries, the non-monetary benefits he or she retained from her former service member spouse go away. Under most circumstances, a remarriage will not change how or if an ex-spouse continues to receive a portion of the military pension.

Is 20 years in the military worth it?

The total expected value of retiring at 20 years is worth nearly a million dollars, which means that the last two years of work in uniform are worth roughly half a million each to a typical officer (annual base pay plus half of their retirement stream).

What happens to my husbands Army pension when he dies?

As a Death-In-Service lump sum is paid, there will be no deferred pension lump sum payable. In addition, your spouse, civil partner or eligible partner may be entitled to receive a survivor's pension. Only a legal spouse, civil partner or dependant children can receive a lump sum and/or a survivor's pension.

Does my wife get my pension if I die?

If the deceased hadn't yet retired: most schemes will pay out a lump sum that is typically two or four times their salary. if the person who died was under age 75, this lump sum is tax-free. this type of pension usually also pays a taxable 'survivor's pension' to the deceased's spouse, civil partner or dependent child.

Do pensions go to surviving spouse?

The federal pension law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), requires private pension plans to provide benefits to surviving spouses. If your spouse died before this date, the spouse may have chosen a benefit that would be paid only while he or she was alive, and there would be no survivor benefit.

Does my wife get my military pension if I die?

When a military retiree dies their retirement pay stops. This means that the surviving spouse will be left without a substantial income source. The SBP is an insurance plan that will pay your surviving spouse a monthly payment (annuity) to help make up for the loss of your retirement income.

Does my wife get my VA benefits when I die?

Surviving military spouses can sometimes receive veterans disability compensation. This benefit is called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and it is paid on a monthly basis. DIC is available to a surviving military spouse (a widow or widower) and his or her dependent children.

Does the wife of a veteran get benefits?

As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. If you're caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself.

Can your wife deploy with you?

One of those questions may be, “Can't you go with them on deployment?” For most military spouses, the answer is a resounding “No!” For others, it may be possible. But if you want to visit your spouse during deployment—and all the stars align—you may want some help.

Does my wife get Bah while I'm at basic?

your spouse will be getting paid while in BMT given that all their paperwork lands in appropriate hands. They will be getting paid according to his particular rate [E-1 (Airman Basic), E-2 (Airman), or E-3 (Airman First Class)], whether they have children, etc. They get paid twice a month; on the 1st and on the 15th.

Do military spouses get free college?

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) Member: This Tuition Assistance program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification, or Associate's degree in a portable career field and occupation.

Can I give my GI bill to my wife?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows you to transfer all or some of your unused benefits to your spouse or dependent children. Once your service approves your eligibility to transfer your benefits, your dependents can apply for them through the VA.

How does a spouse get a military ID?

Your spouse has to be the one to get this started! You will need: a copy of your marriage license, and other personal identification like your driver's license, social security cards and/or birth certificates. In most cases you can update information in DEERS online or through the Tricare website.

Will the military pay for my spouse to move?

Timing can be important in a military marriage. If you have PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders and get married before you actually make the move, you can have your spouse added to your orders and the military will pay for the relocation of your spouse and her property (furniture and such).

Can you hold hands in uniform?

Hand-holding, hugging and kissing are generally not allowed while in uniform.

Can my wife live with me on base?

If you are married and living with your spouse or minor dependents, you will either live in on-base housing or be given a monetary allowance called Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to live off-base. This is because the military makes it mandatory for you to provide adequate housing for your dependents.

Do you have to wear your military uniform when you get married?

If you are in the military yourself, you have the option of wearing your dress uniform just as your soon-to-be spouse will be required to wear his. Military members within the wedding party typically wear full ceremonial dress uniforms with their military decorations serving as boutonnieres.

Can you get laid in the military?

In the military you're not allowed to have sex with people directly in your chain of command and officer/enlisted relationships are forbidden (mostly) as fraternization which still mostly reverts back to the chain of command conflict of interest.

Can a veteran get married in uniform?

There are certain rules for those seeking to wear the uniform for formal functions, national holidays, parades, military funerals and weddings and other military occasions. Only the Service Dress Uniform may be worn; no work, battle dress or PT uniforms are permitted to be worn at formal events.

Why do military couples marry so fast?

Lundquist adds: “The conditions of military employment also lead naturally to marriage. There's stable employment, comprehensive family benefits, and economic mobility in an entry-level job. With the unique conditions of military life, it's easy to understand why these couples are quick to the altar.

Should I marry my girlfriend before I enlist?

If you are just enlisting in the U.S. military, consider tying the knot before enlistment to gain maximum military benefits for yourself, your spouse and your dependents.