Military Retirement Pay and Divorce in Virginia: 2026 Guide
Military retirement gets divided in Virginia divorce cases more often than most service members realize, and the process is more technical than most attorneys who do not specialize in military cases understand. The stakes are high on both sides. For the retiree, the division of retirement pay is permanent. For the former spouse, a mistake […]
Does BAH Count as Income for Child Support in Virginia?
Yes, BAH counts as income for child support in Virginia. So does BAS. This surprises a lot of military families because those allowances do not show up on a tax return and people assume they are invisible for legal purposes. They are not. Virginia’s child support guidelines are based on gross income, not taxable income, […]
Survivor Benefit Plan and Divorce in Virginia | SLS PLLC
The Survivor Benefit Plan comes up in almost every military retirement divorce case, and it is almost always mishandled. The reason is simple: SBP is not mentioned in the USFSPA, it has its own separate rules, and the deadline to secure former spouse coverage is absolute. Miss the one-year window and the coverage is gone […]
SCRA Divorce Rights Virginia: Protections for Service Members
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is a federal law that most service members have heard of but few understand well enough to actually use when it matters. If your spouse files for divorce while you are deployed or in training, the SCRA gives you specific rights that Virginia courts are required to respect. Knowing what […]
Military Divorce Near Dahlgren VA: Navy Families Guide
If you work or live near Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, your divorce case will be handled in King George County Circuit Court. That court has a smaller docket than Stafford or Fredericksburg, which can work in your favor on scheduling. But it also means the judges see fewer military retirement division orders than […]
2026 Virginia Divorce Law Update: HB 303 and Your Security Clearance
If you are a security clearance holder in Fredericksburg, Stafford, or the surrounding communities, the year 2026 has brought a monumental shift in how you navigate the end of a marriage. For decades, Virginia law required couples to wait six months or a full year before they could even step foot in a courtroom to […]
How Financial Issues in Divorce Can Threaten a Federal Security Clearance: Guideline F Explained
By Shawna L. Stevens Last reviewed: April 22, 2026 If you hold (or need) a federal security clearance, divorce can create financial red flags that fall under SEAD 4, Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The concern is not the divorce itself, but whether divorce-related debt, late payments, or support arrears suggest poor financial judgment or create […]
Divorce and Your Security Clearance: What SF-86 Requires You to Disclose
By Shawna L. StevensAttorney with 20+ years of family law experienceLast reviewed: April 22, 2026 Divorce can affect a security clearance, but it does not automatically cause a suspension or revocation. The main risks usually involve reporting failures, financial problems, foreign influence concerns, or issues reflected in court records. You must disclose the change in […]
Guideline F: How Financial Settlements in Divorce Impact Your TS/SCI Clearance and Financial Stability
If you hold a TS/SCI clearance and live in the Fredericksburg or Stafford area, your career is built on a foundation of trust. You have likely spent years demonstrating your reliability to the government. However, when a marriage ends, the financial upheaval can feel like a direct threat to that professional standing. Divorce often brings […]
Navigating a Contentious Divorce at MCB Quantico: Protecting Your Career and Your Reputation
If you are serving at MCB Quantico or living in the surrounding Stafford area, your career is more than just a job. It is a commitment to a set of values and a hard-earned professional reputation. When a marriage begins to unravel, especially in a high-conflict situation, those professional achievements can suddenly feel at risk. […]