20/20/20 Rule in Military Divorce

How the 20/20/20 Rule Could Affect Your Divorce in Jacksonville, FL

When a member of the military is engaged in a divorce, the spouse of a service member has special entitlements to receive retirement benefits that other non-military couples do not have. The requirements of the 20/20/20 rule state that in order to qualify for military benefits, the divorce must obviously involve a military serviceman and a dependent spouse. If the member's spouse is determined to be a dependent spouse, they are entitled to all the same benefits that the military serviceman has, including healthcare benefits and commissary privileges.

What do Each of the "20s" Stand For?

The first "20" stands for the number of years a spouse must have been married to the military service person. The second "20" stands for the number of years the military member must have been serving in the armed forces, as they must have at least 20 years of service accrued towards retirement. The third "20" refers to the number of years of the duration of the marriage coincided with the time served in the armed services.

In order for the non-military spouse to receive full benefits, they must have been married for at least 20 years to a member of the military who has served for at least 20 years during the term of the marriage. If these requirements are not met, the ex-spouse may still collect some benefits from his or her military ex-spouse, but it may be less than the full benefits.

Get Qualified Assistance for Your Military Divorce

At Hutchinson Law, we have the experience and qualifications you need in a Jacksonville divorce attorney. If you have questions about military divorce law, take the time to schedule an appointment with us. We will always be available to receive your call to set up an appointment that is convenient and fits your schedule to discuss in detail the ramifications of military divorce law and the possible outcomes you could expect in a final judgment of divorce.

Contact us today to discuss your case during an evaluation with a family law attorney at the firm.