Experienced Louisiana Military Divorce Attorneys

Last updated on June 18, 2026

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for almost anyone. If you or your spouse is an active or retired member of any branch of the U.S. armed forces — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve — there may be additional issues that will need to be addressed that are only applicable to service members. These issues may include:

• Military pensions
• Housing allowances
• Military benefits
• Issues stemming from misconduct
• Physical separation of family members due to active duty and deployment

Decades Of Experience Helping Service Members

Salley & Salley, LLC, is proud to provide legal services to our country’s military service members and their families. Our firm has more than 50 years of combined experience serving military families, and we understand the unique challenges these families face.

We can assist you with all aspects of your divorce, whether it is uncontested or complex. Some of the other incidental matters you may need to address are:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child relocation
• Child support
• Spousal support and alimony
• Property division
• Restraining orders and protective orders

In addition to divorce, we also work with service members facing many other family law issues.

How Does A Military Divorce Differ From A Traditional Louisiana Divorce?

A military divorce involves legal and logistical considerations that a standard divorce does not. Service obligations, federal protections and military benefit rules often influence how military cases progress. Louisiana courts apply the same basic divorce laws to military and civilian spouses, but additional requirements can affect timing, service of process and financial disclosures.

Service members may face unexpected challenges in a military divorce. Considering these potential factors can help you prepare:

• Service of process must comply with Louisiana law and federal protections
• Deployment or training can affect scheduling and case progression
• Military pay components like BAH and BAS can influence support calculations
• Residency rules may differ when spouses are stationed outside Louisiana

Proper preparation helps you anticipate procedural steps that may impact the pace and structure of the case.

What Is The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a federal law that protects active duty service members from certain civil legal actions when military duties limit their ability to participate. Courts apply the SCRA in divorce cases to help ensure service members are not disadvantaged because of deployment, training or other service obligations.

The SCRA allows courts to delay proceedings when a service member cannot appear due to military responsibilities. Judges may also stay enforcement actions when service obligations prevent timely compliance. Additionally, the Act helps prevent improper default judgments that often impact the ability to obtain fair outcomes in a military divorce.

These protections apply to active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and activated National Guard units under federal orders. Knowing what protections you have empowers you to take the right steps in securing them.

How Are Military Benefits Divided In A Louisiana Divorce?

In Louisiana, the treatment of military benefits is governed by a combination of state community property laws and federal regulations. Courts evaluate when the benefit was earned and how long the marriage overlapped with military service. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act authorizes states to treat disposable retired pay as divisible property.

Several types of service member benefits may be addressed during divorce:

• Military retirement pay may be divided according to Louisiana community property rules.
• Thrift Savings Plan accounts are treated similarly to civilian retirement accounts.
• Survivor Benefit Plan elections may require negotiation during settlement.
• Healthcare eligibility depends on federal rules and length of marriage and service overlap.

A legal review of these benefits helps spouses understand how military service influences their long‑term financial rights and obligations.

Hire A Family Law Attorney Who Understands Military Families

The attorneys of Salley & Salley, LLC, have over 40 years of combined experience representing clients with military divorce proceedings throughout Greater New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. We take the time to explain your options and how military status may affect your divorce.

We have devoted our careers to helping military and civilian families to move on with their lives after divorce. We can help yours too. Contact the Metairie family attorneys of Salley & Salley, LLC, at 504-323-7114, or email us for more information about how we can help you.

Sandra Salley and Laurel Salley have each been separately recognized for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list as top attorneys in Louisiana. Our firm has also received an A+ rating from the Greater New Orleans Area Better Business Bureau.