Will the Military Move a Spouse After a Divorce?

⚖️ Will the Military Move a Spouse After a Divorce?

Divorce is never easy—but when you're part of the military community, it comes with unique challenges. Whether you're a service member or a non-military spouse, understanding your rights and the military’s obligations during a divorce is essential.

Many spouses ask:
Will the military move my spouse after a divorce?
The answer is yes—in some cases. But it depends on your location, marital status, service history, and several other factors.

🚚 Will the Military Pay to Move a Spouse After Divorce?

Here’s what you need to know:

If the military family is stationed overseas, the military will typically pay for the non-military spouse’s return move to their home country.

If the divorce occurs within the U.S., moving expenses usually fall on the divorcing parties, unless negotiated otherwise in the divorce agreement.

Important:
Each case is unique. The financial support you receive depends on rank, time served, dependents, and other legal arrangements.

🛡️ Non-Military Spouse Rights

The most common concern for non-military spouses is being left behind without support—especially if stationed abroad. Fortunately, the military generally helps repatriate non-military spouses after overseas duty.

🏛️ The Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA)

This federal law protects non-military spouses and provides potential access to:

Commissary and base exchange privileges

TRICARE medical benefits

Portions of military retirement pay

To qualify for full benefits, the marriage must meet the 20/20/20 rule:

Married for 20+ years

Military member served 20+ years

Marriage overlapped military service for at least 20 years

Note: Benefits are terminated if the former spouse remarries.

🪖 Rights as a Service Member

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active-duty members during divorce proceedings by:

Granting extensions on legal responses

Shielding from default judgments when deployed

Offering certain housing and tax protections

It's important to understand how divorce affects:

BAH housing allowances

Access to base housing for dependents

Financial responsibilities (child/spousal support)

👩‍⚖️ Legal Help During Military Divorce

Military divorce involves unique legal processes. It’s strongly recommended to seek help from a military family law attorney.

🔍 Find Help with the Legal Assistance Locator

You can access free or low-cost legal help through military channels. A military lawyer can:

Serve as a neutral mediator

Represent individual interests

Help resolve property, custody, and benefit disputes

Having legal representation ensures both parties are protected—especially when children, benefits, or retirement pay are involved.

🔄 How Divorce Impacts Military Entitlements

🏘️ Base Housing

Non-military spouses must vacate base housing within 30 days after the service member departs—even if divorce isn’t finalized.

📦 Moving Expenses

If stationed overseas, the military may cover return travel for the non-military spouse.

For in-state moves, expenses usually aren't covered unless included in a divorce agreement.

Use a DITY move calculator to estimate costs if handling the move yourself.

🏥 Healthcare

TRICARE coverage ends for non-military spouses post-divorce unless they qualify under USFSPA.

The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is available for temporary coverage after TRICARE ends.

💰 Spousal and Child Support

Each military branch enforces support guidelines. Service members must comply with court orders for child and spousal support.

💡 CARS Can Help Ease the Transition

Divorce is emotional, but it doesn’t have to drain your finances.

CARS Relocation offers:

🏠 Rebates up to $3,000 to help you move

📞 Access to qualified military relocation professionals

🔍 Help finding top-rated real estate agents

📦 Referrals to insured van lines and movers

🧾 Support for selling your house fast and affordably

Whether you're the military member or the spouse, CARS can help with logistics, relocation, and savings.

📝 Final Thoughts

Divorcing within the military system can be complicated, but you're not alone. Use your available resources, seek legal support, and work with professionals who understand military life.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. Please consult a qualified family law attorney, especially if you’re undergoing a separation, divorce, or custody dispute.

👉 Planning a move due to divorce? Register here to claim your cash rebate and get relocation help from CARS.

Resource Links:

Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act:

https://www.dfas.mil/garnishment/usfspa/

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act:

https://www.justice.gov/servicemembers/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-scra

Legal Assistance Locator:

https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/

DITY Move Calculator:

https://www.military.com/money/pcs-dity-move/dity-move-calculator.html

TRICARE Benefits:

https://www.tricare.mil/

Continued Healthcare Benefit Program:

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/ras/chcbp/

CARS Relocation Rebate Program:

https://www.corporateamerica.us/rebate

Sell Your House Fast with CARS:

https://www.corporateamerica.us/sell-your-home-fast

Schedule a Free Relocation Consultation:

https://www.corporateamerica.us/schedule-consultation