Military Divorce

As a proud United States Air Force combat veteran, Michael Mackhanlall understands the legal and practical intricacies active-duty members and military spouses face in divorce and custody cases — the moves, the deployments, the pension, and the career sensitivities most courts and many lawyers simply don't know.

Jurisdiction is the first battle

Florida's long-arm statute (§ 48.193) can reach service members and spouses in support, property, and paternity matters — but its "prior residence" provision has limits, and when a military family PCSs away from Florida, jurisdiction may be lost. When a spouse or parent is stationed abroad, service of process may need to comply with the Hague Service Convention, including translation requirements — an area where this firm has real experience.

The military pension — often the biggest asset

Under § 61.076, Florida Statutes, vested and non-vested pensions are marital property subject to equitable distribution. Over a career, a military pension is routinely worth six or seven figures — an E-6 or O-6 retirement stream, valued over a normal life expectancy, dwarfs most other marital assets. Failing to divide it properly — or to receive real consideration for waiving it — is an error that usually cannot be fixed after final judgment.

Parenting plans built for military life

A parenting plan negotiated around today's duty station fails at the next PCS. We build long-distance provisions into the plan from the start — schedules, travel costs, and support adjustments for a move beyond 50 miles — so you don't pay to relitigate the same issues in two years.

Your career and your clearance

Florida's broad public-records law means unfounded allegations in family court can follow a service member's security clearance. Florida is a no-fault state; many such allegations are legally irrelevant — and we fight to keep inappropriate material sealed and out of the public record.