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Montgomery County Military Divorce Lawyer Representing Members of the Armed Forces

Do You Need a Montgomery County Military Divorce Attorney?

Military divorces come with unique challenges that extend far beyond traditional family law concerns. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we understand the complexities of military divorce, and offer we experienced representation to clients across Montgomery County.

If you or your spouse is an active-duty service member, reservist, or veteran, you’ll want to find a Montgomery County divorce attorney who understands:

How military pensions and retirement are divided
How deployments and PCS orders affect custody and visitation
What happens to Tricare, housing allowances, and military benefits
How to properly serve divorce papers to active-duty members
When spousal and child support payments are governed by military rules

Why Choose Us Over Other Military Divorce Lawyers in Montgomery County?

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we bring over three decades of focused family law experience to each case. We understand the intricacies of divorce involving service members and how military obligations affect everything from custody to support.

Here’s what sets Sheryl R. Rentz apart:

Over 30 years of experience in Pennsylvania family and divorce law – trusted by clients across generations.
Founded in 1992, offering consistent and focused legal service to Montgomery County families – with deep ties to the local legal community.
Recognized by Suburban Life Magazine as a Top Attorney – a reflection of professional respect and client satisfaction.
Holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating – based on client reviews, peer endorsements, and case results.
Has Served as Member, Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Montgomery Bar Association – actively contributing to the advancement of family law in the region.
Known for straightforward, personalized, and strategic legal advice – guiding clients through difficult decisions with clarity and care.

Proud to Serve Those Who Serve the Nation

At The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we are proud to serve the brave men and women who sacrifice so much of themselves to defend our nation. If you are a service member facing divorce, please let us help you get through this difficult period in your life.

We will make every possible effort to resolve your legal matters in an efficient manner and secure you a better future. Call (610) 645-0100 to protect your rights.

Legal Requirements in Pennsylvania

A military divorce in Pennsylvania must meet both state residency requirements and military legal standards. Here’s what to know:

Residency: Either you or your spouse must reside in Pennsylvania or be stationed here to file for divorce.
Military Status Protections: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) may allow active-duty members to postpone divorce proceedings while on deployment or active duty.
Division of Military Benefits: Federal laws govern how military pensions, retirement pay, and other benefits are divided.

Understanding how state and federal laws intersect is critical to protecting your rights. Our firm ensures compliance with both systems and explains how each factor will impact your divorce.

Reasons to See an Attorney Right Away

In military divorce, timing and planning are key. Seeing an attorney early allows you to:

Understand what you're entitled to under state and federal law
Prepare for delays if your spouse is deployed or out of the state
Protect your share of military retirement or benefits
Address custody or relocation issues tied to military orders
Clarify child or spousal support obligations that may differ from civilian standards

Even if you're not ready to file, a consultation can help you plan for what’s ahead and avoid costly missteps.

Your Rights in a Military Divorce

Whether you are the military spouse or the service member, both parties have specific rights:

Service members are protected from default judgments while on active duty by the SCRA
Spouses have the right to a fair share of marital assets, including the portion of military retirement earned during the marriage
Both parties have the right to parenting time, depending on the child’s best interests
The non-military spouse may be eligible for continued health benefits depending on the length of the marriage and service

Our firm helps you understand your rights and makes sure they are fully enforced throughout the process.

Relocation Issues in Military Custody Cases

Relocation is a frequent issue in military custody cases. PCS orders or deployment may require a service member to move, sometimes across the country or overseas. These situations raise questions like:

Can one parent relocate with the child?
How is parenting time adjusted for long-distance moves?
What happens if one parent opposes the relocation?

In Pennsylvania, relocation must be approved by the court or the other parent if it affects the child’s relationship with the non-moving parent. We represent clients on both sides of these requests and help create custody plans that account for mobility.

Navigating a Military Divorce?

Call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz at (610) 645-0100 to get experienced legal support today.

Serving Papers to a Military Member

Serving divorce papers to an active-duty service member must be handled carefully:

Personal service is required, meaning someone must hand-deliver the documents
If the member is deployed or stationed out of state, serving them may be delayed
The SCRA allows service members to delay legal proceedings while they are on active duty

Our firm understands the legal and practical steps required to serve papers properly and move your case forward.

How Long Does a Military Divorce Take?

The timeline for military divorce varies based on factors like deployment, cooperation, and complexity of assets. A basic uncontested military divorce might be resolved in a few months, while contested cases with custody or pension disputes can take a year or more.

Military divorces often take longer due to:

Active-duty delays
Required division of military retirement
Custody disputes involving relocation or parenting plans
Extended timelines for serving papers or securing court dates

We help you manage expectations and move your case forward efficiently.

The 20/20/20 Rule

This federal rule determines whether a former military spouse is entitled to continued benefits after divorce:

To qualify, you must meet all three:

20 years of marriage
20 years of the military member’s service
20 years of overlap between the marriage and the military service

If you meet this rule, you may be eligible for:

Continued Tricare health coverage
Access to military base privileges (e.g., commissary, exchange)

Even if you don’t meet the 20/20/20 rule, partial benefits may still be available under the 20/20/15 rule. We assess eligibility and ensure you're informed about the benefits you may retain.

Child Support in a Military Divorce

Military members are legally obligated to support their children, and the military itself may enforce these obligations if a court order is in place. Pennsylvania uses state guidelines to calculate support, but enforcement may differ for service members.

Key factors in military child support:

Basic Pay, BAH, and BAS are considered income for support purposes
A service member’s branch may require compliance even before a court order
Support orders must be properly drafted to comply with both civilian and military expectations

We work to ensure support orders are fair, enforceable, and tailored to your family’s needs.

Spousal Support in a Military Divorce

Spousal support (before divorce is finalized) and alimony (after divorce) are available in military divorces, depending on income and marriage length. Courts consider:

Disparity in earning capacity
Contributions to the service member’s career
Sacrifices made by the non-military spouse (such as leaving a job to relocate)

Support is often paid through military payroll systems for easier enforcement. Our firm helps negotiate fair amounts and ensures proper procedures are followed.

How an Experienced Military Divorce Attorney Can Help

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we help service members and military spouses:

Draft and file divorce paperwork that complies with both Pennsylvania and military rules
Determine what portion of military retirement pay or benefits may be subject to division
Navigate SCRA protections and ensure proper service of process
Structure child custody plans around deployment schedules and military moves
Pursue or challenge requests for spousal or child support under applicable guidelines
Resolve relocation and travel disputes that impact parenting time

Military divorce is complex, but we break it down into clear steps, so you always know where your case stands.

Speak With an Experienced Military Divorce Lawyer in Montgomery County

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we handle military divorce cases with the attention to detail and legal precision they demand. Call (610) 645-0100 today to schedule a free consultation with a military divorce lawyer who understands what’s at stake.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Attentive and compassionate - Marianne D. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Sheryl Rentz is attentive and compassionate. She is sensitive to billing and, as such, will try to be diligent in the use of her time. My divorce was complicated and Sheryl understood the process and worked hard to inform me of my options as well as work through the process. She was responsive and made herself available to accommodate my schedule.

Sheryl also gave me excellent personal advice - K. C. (5-Star Yelp Review)

One of my friends recommended Sheryl Rentz to handle my divorce after I had been unable to find a good fit to help me through the process. Sheryl is extremely competent and handled every aspect of the divorce professionally and with the children's and my best interests in mind. She asked pertinent questions, listened to my responses, explained the options, and followed through on the agreed-upon course of action. Sheryl also gave me excellent personal advice on how to deal with my ex-spouse. When issues cropped up during and after the divorce, she was able to quickly assess each situation and resolve each conflict successfully while minimizing the time and expense. I have given Sheryl's contact information to everyone who is asking for a good divorce lawyer.

Pennsylvania Military Divorce FAQs

How is a military divorce different from a civilian divorce?

Military divorces involve additional legal considerations, including federal laws governing pensions, health benefits, and deployments. Issues like custody, support, and division of military retirement must be handled in accordance with both Pennsylvania state law and military regulations.

Can I get divorced in Pennsylvania if my spouse is stationed elsewhere?

Yes. As long as you or your spouse is a Pennsylvania resident or stationed in the state, you can file for divorce here. We can help determine which jurisdiction is appropriate based on your specific situation.

How are military pensions divided in divorce?

Military retirement benefits are considered marital property and may be divided in divorce. The division depends on how many years of military service overlapped with the marriage. Federal law, including the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA), governs how these benefits are handled.

Can I serve divorce papers to someone on active duty?

Yes, but serving a military member requires strict adherence to legal procedures. Personal service is required, and delays may occur if the member is deployed or on base. Our firm handles proper service under both state and military guidelines.

How is child custody handled when one parent is in the military?

Courts prioritize the child’s best interests. If one parent is deployed or receives PCS orders, we work to create parenting plans that account for long-distance custody and ensure meaningful contact. Pennsylvania courts may modify orders temporarily during deployments.

Does joint custody affect military housing or benefits?

Potentially. If a service member does not have primary custody, it may impact BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and related benefits. We help calculate how custody arrangements may affect support obligations and entitlements.

How is child support calculated in military divorces?

Pennsylvania child support guidelines apply, but military pay includes more than base salary. We account for BAH, BAS, bonuses, and other entitlements when determining or contesting child support.

Can I receive spousal support if I was married to a service member?

Yes. Spousal support may be awarded based on the income disparity, marriage length, and sacrifices made during the marriage (such as relocating or pausing a career). Military pay and benefits are factored into these calculations.

Meet Our Montgomery County Military Divorce Attorney

Sheryl R. Rentz

Sheryl R. Rentz is the founder of the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. She has dedicated her career to guiding individuals and families through complex legal matters, including high-asset divorce, custody disputes, spousal and child support, and military divorce. Clients choose Sheryl for her combination of legal experience, practical strategy, and compassionate approach. Whether handling a contentious custody battle or negotiating a confidential divorce settlement, she provides personalized, focused representation at every step.

Additional Information

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Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz