Military Legal Services · Chester & England & Wales
Military Divorce Solicitors
Divorce & Financial Settlements for Serving Personnel, Veterans & Military Families
Specialist advice on military pension sharing, Service Family Accommodation, overseas postings and Armed Forces pay — from our Chester office, serving England and Wales.
No obligation — speak to us first.
Why Military Divorce Requires Specialist Advice
Military divorce involves unique legal and financial complexities that are not present in civilian divorce. From the valuation and division of military pensions to the implications of overseas postings, Service Family Accommodation and the Armed Forces Covenant, specialist advice is essential.
At PDA Law, our family law team works alongside our military claims specialists to provide comprehensive advice to serving personnel, veterans and military families in Chester, Cheshire and across England and Wales.
Military Pension Sharing
Specialist advice on the valuation and division of AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 pensions, including pension sharing orders and earmarking.
Service Family Accommodation
Advice on the housing implications of military divorce, including the right to remain in SFA and alternative housing arrangements.
Overseas Postings
Advice on jurisdiction, service of documents and the practicalities of divorce proceedings involving overseas postings.
Military Pay & Allowances
Specialist knowledge of military pay structures, including X-Factor, LOA and other allowances, for maintenance and financial settlement purposes.
Child Arrangements
Advice on child arrangements for military families, including the impact of deployments, postings and relocations on contact and residence.
Separation Agreements
Separation agreements for military couples who are not yet ready to divorce but need to formalise financial arrangements.
Part of Our Wider Family Law Service
Our military divorce service is part of our wider family law practice. We can also advise on financial settlements, child arrangements, domestic abuse injunctions and prenuptial agreements.
Military Divorce — Common Questions
How is a military pension divided on divorce?
Military pensions are often the most valuable asset in a military divorce. They can be divided using a pension sharing order, which gives the non-member spouse a share of the pension at source. The Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) has specific rules about how pension sharing orders are implemented. We will advise on the value of the pension and the most appropriate way to deal with it in your financial settlement.
Does an overseas posting affect my divorce?
Overseas postings can complicate divorce proceedings, particularly in relation to jurisdiction (which country's courts should deal with the divorce) and the practicalities of serving documents and attending hearings. We have experience of dealing with military divorces involving overseas postings and can advise on the most appropriate approach.
What happens to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) on divorce?
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is provided by the MOD and is not owned by the service person. On divorce, the non-serving spouse will generally need to vacate SFA. We can advise on the housing implications of military divorce and ensure that housing needs are properly addressed in the financial settlement.
Can I get divorced if my spouse is deployed?
Yes. Divorce proceedings can be commenced even if your spouse is deployed overseas. However, there are practical considerations around service of documents and the timing of proceedings. We can advise on the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant and how does it affect divorce?
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment by the government and society to support serving personnel, veterans and their families. In the context of divorce, it is relevant to issues such as housing, children's schooling and access to legal services. We are committed to supporting military families through the divorce process.
How does military pay affect financial settlements on divorce?
Military pay includes basic pay, allowances (such as X-Factor, LOA and disturbance allowances) and other benefits. These all need to be considered when calculating income for maintenance purposes and when assessing the overall financial position of the parties. We have specialist knowledge of military pay structures and will ensure all relevant income is properly accounted for.
Military Legal Services — Also Relevant
Your Specialist Solicitor
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Almost 30 years' specialist family law experience, including military divorce, financial settlements and children matters. Straight-talking, patient and genuinely supportive.
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Speak to a Military Divorce Solicitor
Confidential advice for serving personnel, veterans and military families — no obligation.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352