TAMPA MILITARY DIVORCE MEDIATION

Divorce & Custody Mediation For Military Personnel

Are you and your partner looking to get a divorce in the state of Florida? Have you served or are you currently serving in the U.S. military? Military divorces can be resolved through mediation, a process that is more streamlined, private, and cost-effective than traditional divorce court. However, it is critical to work with a mediator who is knowledgeable about the special issues affecting military personnel and their civilian spouses.

Attorney Mediator Beth Reineke has assisted many military couples in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg Area during her three-decade career, including active duty, reservists, and retired military. Attorney Beth Reineke is Certified by the Florida Supreme Court to conduct mediations for both divorce and custody matters. If you are looking to work with an experienced, compassionate, and effective Tampa military divorce mediation lawyer with an in-depth understanding of the armed forces, don’t hesitate to reach out today!

To schedule your free consultation, call (813) 205-6675 or contact the firm online. We serve clients throughout the Tampa Bay Area. 

  • “Excellent communication and was quick to get back on any questions or concerns. Highly recommended.”
/

Tampa Bay Attorney-Mediator 
for Military Retirement & Divorce

At Reineke Mediations, we have counseled many officers and enlisted personnel serving at MacDill Air Force Base and other duty stations around the world, and we welcome service members from all branches of the armed services. Beth Reineke has practiced in divorce and family law for over 30 years but now devotes her practice exclusively to alternatives to divorce litigation.

Military families face unique challenges in dealing with divorce, child custody, and related matters. The federal rules are complex and family matters are complicated by deployments, transfers, and other realities of the military lifestyle. 

Beth Reineke understands these realities, and she will help you work out a fair and practical agreement regarding:

  • Military pensions: A military spouse is entitled to a portion or an equal share of the service member’s pension, depending on years of service and overlapping years of marriage.
  • Military pay and benefits: Some military pay is taxable, and some is not, which makes a difference in the calculation of child support or alimony.
  • Health benefits: A spouse and dependent children may be entitled to ongoing medical insurance, depending on the number of years of service and overlapping years of marriage.
  • All the regular aspects of divorce, parenting time, child support, and more.

These are just a few of the considerations in military divorce. Military personnel who are stationed overseas or away from Florida, for example, may be able to delay divorce or custody matters under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (formerly the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act). Please contact us to learn more. 

Differences Between Civilian & Military Divorces

In addition to the considerations mentioned above, differences between military and civilian divorces include:

  • Servicemembers and their spouses still have the option to file for divorce when the former is overseas on duty. In such cases, military divorces can be filed in one of three places: the state where the servicemember is stationed, the state where the servicemember is a legal resident, or the state in which the servicemember’s spouse lives.
  • Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, relevant court and/or administrative proceedings can be postponed if the servicemember can prove they cannot actively participate because they are on active duty.
  • Additionally, servicemembers may be protected from a default judgment if they fail to respond to a divorce filing or fail to appear at trial due to their service.

What Is a Military Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce?

The military offers benefits to divorced military spouses such as: 

  • Retirement benefits
  • Commissary and BX/PX privileges
  • Healthcare and dental coverage
  • Military ID cards
  • And more

However, it should be noted that certain benefits are only available to ex-spouses of members of the military if they meet certain requirements, such as being in the marriage for a specific length of time. 

Our Approach Sets Us Apart

  • Supreme Court Certified Mediator

    Not all mediators are licensed attorneys - Beth Reineke brings legal experience and practical insights to the mediation process.

  • Over 3 Decades of Legal Experience

    Reineke Mediations has over 3 decades of legal experience in helping families find divorce resolutions. 

  • Litigation Free

    We believe any aspect of divorce and custody can be resolved without a courtroom fight. Beth Reineke has experience with mediating complex property division, entrenched custody disputes, and high-stakes alimony and child support issues. Reineke Mediations provides creative suggestions, gentle guidance, and reality check wisdom from years of hard work in courtroom wars.

Is Mediation the Right Choice?

We offer free phone consultations and reasonable rates for mediation, drafting of agreements, preparation of court documents and other mediation services. During your initial consultation, attorney Beth Reineke will discuss the benefits of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and whether these methods are the right fit for your situation.

Alternatives to Litigation Litigation Free, Stress Free

Beth G. Reineke is here for you no matter the case.

Meet Our Supreme Court Certified Divorce Mediator

/

Experienced In Divorce Mediation For Military Couples

Military personnel are subject to the same state laws as civilians regarding divorce, property, children, and support. However, members of the military do have special rights and special considerations under federal law.

Issues that civilians getting divorced don’t have to deal with that affect servicemembers include:

  • Off-duty pay vs. active-duty pay
  • Planning for a permanent change in station (PCS)
  • Benefits unique to the military
  • Family support policies as defined under Military Code
  • “Concurrent custody” when service members are deployed

Attorney Beth Reineke understands the ins and outs of military divorce and can help you end your marriage fairly and without the stress or expense of a trial. She will ensure every aspect of your military divorce is handled correctly and comprehensively so you can move on with your life. 

Many military couples cannot realistically afford the time or expense of divorce litigation. To explore mediation as an alternative solution, please call (813) 205-6675 or contact us online. Tampa military divorce lawyer/mediator Beth Reineke conducts pre-suit and court-ordered mediations for clients from Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and Pasco County, Florida.

Get in Touch

Call 813-205-6675 or fill out the form below to get started. 

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.