Military Family Law in Nevada

Nevada, a state known for its glittering cities and vast desert landscapes, also has a rich military history. From the days of World War II, when the Nevada desert was used as a training ground for Army Air Corps pilots, to the present-day military installations like Nellis Air Force Base and the Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada’s relationship with the military runs deep.

The state’s substantial military presence has inevitably influenced its family law, molding its regulations and statutes to cater to the unique challenges military families face. Over the years, Nevada has adapted its legal system to address the transient nature of military life, the sacrifices of deployments, and the complexities of federal military law. As such, Nevada’s family law has evolved to offer special provisions and considerations for service members and their families.

The Relationship Between Federal Military Law and Nevada State Law

One of the most pressing questions for military families in Nevada concerns the interplay between federal military law and Nevada’s state law. U.S. military law, governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), establishes regulations that all service members must follow, regardless of where they are stationed. However, when it comes to family matters like divorce, child custody, and spousal support, state laws take precedence.

Nevada, like all states, retains the right to govern domestic relations within its borders. However, there are certain federal statutes, such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), that override state laws. The SCRA, for instance, provides protections for active-duty military personnel, ensuring that they are not disadvantaged in civil matters because of their service.

Nevada has worked to harmonize its state laws with these overarching federal provisions. For instance, if a military member stationed in Nevada is deployed overseas, the state’s family courts are required by law to take into consideration the challenges of their deployment when ruling on child custody matters. Similarly, when it comes to dividing a military pension during a divorce, Nevada courts must adhere to the federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), which governs how military retirement pay can be divided.

In essence, while Nevada maintains its jurisdiction over family matters within the state, it recognizes and respects the federal guidelines set forth to protect service members. This intricate balance ensures that military families receive the legal support and protection they need while adhering to the state’s jurisdictional bounds.

Divorce and Separation Among Military Families

When it comes to divorce, Nevada’s residency requirements can be a critical factor for military members and their spouses. To file for divorce in Nevada, at least one party must have resided in the state for a minimum of six weeks prior to filing. However, for military members stationed in Nevada, the state recognizes their stationing as a form of residency. This means that a service member, or their spouse, can file for divorce in Nevada if they’ve been stationed in the state for at least six weeks, regardless of their original domicile.

Division of Military Retirement and Pensions: Nevada’s Approach

Dividing military retirement and pensions in a divorce can be complex, but Nevada’s approach aims to be both fair and compliant with federal guidelines. Nevada is a community property state, which means that all property and assets acquired during the marriage are typically divided equally between both parties upon divorce. Military pensions, earned during the marriage, are considered a form of community property in Nevada.

However, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) sets federal standards for dividing military retirement pay. While it allows states to classify military retirement pay as property, rather than income, the exact division must comply with the USFSPA.

In Nevada, the court will consider the length of the marriage in conjunction with the years of military service to determine a fair distribution. Only the portion of the pension earned during the marriage is subject to division.

Special Considerations for Child Custody and Visitation when One Parent is Deployed

Child custody and visitation can be especially challenging for military families due to the possibility of unexpected deployments or relocations. Nevada courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions, but they also acknowledge the unique challenges military families face.

If a military parent is deployed, Nevada law ensures that their deployment cannot be used against them as a negative factor in determining custody. Additionally, temporary custody orders can be put in place during a parent’s deployment. Upon the parent’s return, the custody arrangement reverts to the pre-deployment status, unless it’s demonstrated that it’s no longer in the child’s best interests.

Furthermore, Nevada courts encourage both parents to come up with flexible visitation schedules, accommodating virtual visitations via video calls when physical visitations aren’t possible. This allows the deployed parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child, even from afar.

Military Relocations and Child Custody

Military families often face the challenges of frequent relocations, which can significantly affect child custody arrangements. In Nevada, if a custodial parent wishes to relocate with the child, they must typically obtain the other parent’s consent or the court’s approval.

When it’s a military parent seeking the relocation due to orders, Nevada courts take into consideration the compulsory nature of military reassignments. While the state acknowledges the importance of maintaining a stable and continuous environment for the child, it also understands that military relocations are often unavoidable.

That said, a military parent’s relocation request isn’t automatically approved. The relocating parent must demonstrate that the move is in the child’s best interests, taking into account factors like the reason for the move, the potential benefits for the child, and how the move might affect the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent.

The Balance Between the Best Interests of the Child and Military Obligations

Nevada courts always prioritize the child’s best interests. However, they also recognize the unique challenges and obligations military families face. When making custody decisions involving military relocations, the court seeks a balance between ensuring the child’s well-being and respecting the demands of military service.

Courts may consider:

The child’s age and adjustment to their current environment.
The relationship between the child and each parent.
The potential benefits of the relocation, such as better educational opportunities or proximity to extended family.
The feasibility of maintaining a meaningful relationship with the non-relocating parent, considering visitation options and communication methods.

Tools for Creating Flexible Visitation Schedules

For military families, flexibility is essential, especially concerning visitation. Nevada encourages parents to collaborate and develop parenting plans that factor in the challenges of military service. Some tools and strategies include:

Extended visitations: If a military parent is away for an extended period due to training or deployment, they might be awarded more extended visitation periods during their leaves or breaks.
Virtual visitations: Technologies like video calls, online chats, and instant messaging allow military parents to stay connected with their children even when they’re miles apart.
Stipulated agreements: Parents can create agreements that account for potential future deployments or relocations, outlining how custody and visitation will be handled in such events.

Military Benefits and Family Support

Military service offers a host of benefits, not just for the service members themselves but also for their families. In Nevada, these benefits encompass a wide range of services, from healthcare to education and housing support.

Healthcare: Active duty and retired military members, along with their families, can access healthcare services through TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s health insurance program. There are various TRICARE plans available, each tailored to different needs, from family health plans to those for reservists.
Housing: Military families stationed in Nevada may qualify for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help offset living expenses. This non-taxable monthly allowance is based on the service member’s rank, location, and family status.
Education: The state of Nevada offers educational benefits to military families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Nevada Promise Scholarship are examples of programs that help service members, veterans, and their families access higher education opportunities.

How Nevada Law Views Military Benefits in Divorce and Separation

In a divorce or separation, military benefits can become a point of contention. In Nevada, as it’s a community property state, benefits acquired during the marriage, such as military pensions, are often considered marital property and are subject to division.

However, benefits like disability pay are exempted from division as they are considered the sole property of the service member. Similarly, while BAH and other allowances might factor into child or spousal support calculations, they aren’t directly divisible as marital assets.

It’s crucial for military families to understand how these benefits are treated in divorce proceedings, as it can significantly impact financial arrangements post-separation.

Navigating the Nuances of TRICARE and Other Military Benefits

TRICARE can be particularly intricate when navigating a divorce. In general, after a divorce, the non-military spouse may still qualify for TRICARE under the 20/20/20 rule. This rule applies if:

The couple was married for at least 20 years.
The military member served for a minimum of 20 years.
The marriage and the military service overlapped for at least 20 years.

If all three conditions are met, the non-military spouse retains full TRICARE benefits. However, if there’s a shorter overlap or a shorter marriage duration, the benefits may vary or lapse.

Domestic Violence and Protection Orders in Military Families

Domestic violence is an issue that transcends boundaries, and military families are not immune. Studies indicate that stressors associated with military life, such as deployments, frequent relocations, and combat exposure, might contribute to heightened domestic tensions in some families. In Nevada, domestic violence within military families is taken very seriously, and the state’s legal system aims to protect victims while providing resources for families in crisis.

Nevada law defines domestic violence as not only physical violence but also as harassment, stalking, trespassing, or destruction of private property. When incidents of domestic violence involve military personnel, both civilian authorities and the military chain of command may become involved.

How Nevada Courts Handle Protection Orders for Military Members

For victims of domestic violence in Nevada, obtaining a protection order is a critical step to ensure safety. When the alleged aggressor is a military member, the process is slightly different.

Upon receiving a protection order, local civilian authorities are required to notify the military base where the service member is stationed. This liaison between the state and the military ensures that protection orders are enforced both off and on the military installation.

Moreover, a violation of a protection order by a military member can have severe consequences. Apart from facing legal penalties in the state of Nevada, they may also encounter disciplinary actions from their military chain of command, which could range from counseling to more serious administrative or legal actions.

Resources Available for Military Families Experiencing Domestic Violence in Nevada

Recognizing the unique pressures military families face, Nevada offers a range of resources tailored to their needs:

Military Family Advocacy Programs: These programs provide comprehensive support for families dealing with domestic violence, from counseling to safety planning.
Legal Assistance Offices: Situated on most military bases, these offices provide legal advice to service members and their families, including guidance on protection orders and related matters.
Crisis Hotlines: Both civilian and military-specific hotlines operate 24/7, offering immediate assistance to victims of domestic violence.
Shelters and Support Groups: Numerous organizations within Nevada provide safe havens and peer support for individuals escaping abusive situations.

Unique Aspects of Nevada’s Military Family Law

Differences between Military Family Law in Nevada and Other States

Nevada’s approach to military family law showcases its dedication to the many service members and their families residing within its borders. The state’s legal landscape holds distinct nuances that make it stand out from other jurisdictions:

Residency Considerations: Unlike many states where the usual residency requirements for divorce apply uniformly, Nevada recognizes the stationing of a military member as a form of residency, making it easier for service members and their spouses to file for divorce.
Protection Against Default Judgments: If a military member cannot appear in court due to their military duties, Nevada law protects them from default judgments. This ensures that their service doesn’t disadvantage them in legal proceedings.
Child Custody Flexibility: While many states have begun to recognize the unique challenges of military life when making custody decisions, Nevada’s laws are particularly accommodating. For instance, a service member’s deployment cannot be used against them in custody considerations.

Nevada-Specific Resources for Military Families Navigating the Legal System

Nevada offers a wealth of resources tailored to the needs of military families:

Nevada Legal Services (NLS): This non-profit offers legal assistance to low-income Nevadans, including military families. Their scope includes family law, housing issues, and consumer matters.
Military Legal Assistance Project: Initiated by the State Bar of Nevada, this program offers pro bono legal services to active duty military personnel, focusing on areas impacted by military service.
Nevada Department of Veterans Services: While primarily aimed at veterans, this department also provides resources and assistance that can benefit active-duty service members and their families, especially in legal matters tied to service.

FAQs

1. How long do I need to be a resident of Nevada to file for divorce?

In general, Nevada requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for a minimum of six weeks before filing for divorce. However, for military members, simply being stationed in Nevada fulfills this residency requirement.

2. What happens if I’m deployed and can’t attend a court hearing?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers protection to active-duty military members who cannot attend court hearings due to their military obligations. Nevada courts will typically grant a stay or postponement of court proceedings until the service member can be present. Communication with the court and proper documentation are essential in these cases.

3. How are military pensions divided in Nevada divorces?

Nevada is a community property state, which means that assets acquired during the marriage, including military pensions, are generally divided equally between the spouses. The division of military pensions requires careful consideration of both federal laws and Nevada state laws, and factors such as the length of the marriage and the duration of the military service can influence the division.

4. Can my military benefits be transferred to my children after a divorce?

Certain military benefits, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, allow for the transfer of benefits to dependents, including children. The specifics of such transfers often depend on the military member’s years of service and other eligibility criteria. While divorce might change the benefit dynamics for spouses, children’s eligibility for transferred benefits typically remains intact.

5. What can I do if my ex-spouse doesn’t abide by our custody arrangement while I’m deployed?

Nevada law emphasizes the importance of maintaining both parents’ relationships with their child, even in cases of deployment. If an ex-spouse fails to comply with a custody arrangement during deployment, it’s vital to communicate with your legal counsel and potentially involve the court to ensure enforcement.

6. Are my military disability benefits subject to division during divorce?

Military disability benefits are typically considered separate property and are not divisible as community property in a divorce. However, they might factor into spousal support or child support calculations in certain scenarios.