- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 515-267-1265
When parents share custody of a child after a divorce or separation, relocation is one of the most challenging issues...
Dividing assets and debts during a divorce is one of the most critical and stressful legal processes. Iowa follows the...
In Iowa, spousal support—often called alimony—is not always permanent. While it provides essential financial support to one spouse after divorce,...
A great experience with a lawyer, and fairly cheap too. He will always give you all the options, talk you threw the options, and will tell you some odds. He explains any question and doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. The easiest time I had with a lawyer ever. Highly Highly recommend.
I hired Jeremy for my child custody case. He is incredibly knowledgeable but also speaks to you in a way that’s very direct and easy to understand. He was very thorough and always responded quickly. He showed up to trial extremely prepared and always did a good job of helping put my mind at ease. I would absolutely recommend him, and I’ll hire him again in a heartbeat if I ever need anything else.
Jeremy is absolutely amazing!!! Very professional and does a great job of explaining processes. He has done a great job handling all of our family needs!!! High recommend Feitelson Law Firm!!!
Military service brings unique challenges to family life, and when a marriage ends, those challenges extend into the divorce process. For service members and their spouses in Des Moines, military divorce involves navigating federal laws, military regulations, and Iowa state requirements simultaneously. Questions about pension division, deployment schedules, and jurisdiction can make an already difficult situation feel impossible to manage alone.
Many military families face concerns that civilian divorces simply do not address. How will deployment affect custody arrangements? What happens to military benefits after divorce? How are retirement pensions calculated and divided? These questions require answers rooted in both military regulations and Iowa family law, and mistakes can have lasting financial and legal consequences.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we understand the complexities military families face during divorce. We are committed to providing clear guidance through every stage of the process, from initial filing through final resolution. Our focus on family law means we bring depth of knowledge to military divorce cases, helping service members and spouses protect their rights while building a foundation for their future.
Whether you are an active-duty service member stationed at a nearby base, a veteran residing in Des Moines, or a spouse married to someone in the military, you deserve an attorney who understands both the legal requirements and the unique circumstances of military life. Our military divorce attorney in Des Moines is here to provide the advocacy and support you need during this transition.
Feitelson Law Firm brings 20 years of trial experience to military divorce cases in Des Moines. Jeremy Feitelson graduated from Drake Law School in 2004 and has since built a practice dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters throughout Iowa. This experience includes representing clients in cases where military service creates additional layers of legal complexity.
Our firm stays current with developments in both Iowa family law and federal military regulations that affect divorce proceedings. We understand how the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) impact divorce cases, and we apply this knowledge to protect our clients’ interests. In addition to handling cases directly, Jeremy Feitelson is a licensed family law mediator in Iowa and assists divorce parties in resolving their differences without going to trial.
Beyond legal knowledge, we recognize the emotional challenges that come with military divorce. Deployments, relocations, and the demands of military life create stress that affects every aspect of the divorce process. We take time to listen to each client’s concerns, understand their priorities, and develop strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we have guided numerous clients through divorce proceedings involving military service. Our approach balances assertive advocacy with practical problem-solving, always keeping our clients’ long-term interests in focus. When military divorce requires court intervention, we are prepared to present compelling arguments and evidence. When negotiation can achieve fair outcomes, we work diligently toward resolution.
Clients appreciate our straightforward communication style and our commitment to keeping them informed throughout their case. We explain legal options clearly, provide honest assessments, and ensure clients understand their rights under both Iowa law and military regulations.
Military divorce in Iowa follows the same basic legal framework as civilian divorce, but federal laws and military regulations add distinct considerations. Jurisdiction becomes more complex when one or both spouses are stationed away from Iowa or when frequent relocations are part of military life. Residency requirements, timing of filings, and service of process all require careful attention in military cases.
Our military divorce lawyer in Des Moines helps clients understand which court has jurisdiction over their case and how military status affects the divorce timeline. We assist with proper service of divorce papers, ensuring compliance with both Iowa court rules and federal protections for active-duty service members.
The process begins with a thorough consultation where we assess your situation, explain how military service affects your case, and outline the steps ahead. From there, we handle all legal filings, communicate with opposing counsel, and represent your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
Military retirement pay is often one of the most valuable assets in a military divorce. The USFSPA allows state courts to treat military retirement pay as marital property, but division requires precise calculations and proper legal procedures. Understanding how much of a military pension qualifies as marital property depends on the length of the marriage, the length of service, and the overlap between the two.
At Feitelson Law Firm, we work with financial professionals when needed to properly value and divide military retirement benefits. We ensure that Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and similar documents are prepared accurately so spouses receive their entitled share directly from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
Beyond retirement pay, military divorces may involve division of Thrift Savings Plans, VA disability benefits considerations, and survivor benefit plans. We guide clients through these financial matters, explaining how each asset or benefit is treated under the law and advocating for fair division that reflects contributions to the marriage.
For military parents, deployment creates significant challenges in custody arrangements. Iowa courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, but they must also account for the realities of military service. A parent’s deployment does not automatically result in loss of custody rights, but it does require careful planning to ensure children maintain relationships with both parents.
We help military parents develop parenting plans that address deployment scenarios, including temporary custody modifications, communication during deployment, and reintegration plans for when the service member returns. These plans can include provisions for virtual visitation through video calls and specific schedules that maximize parenting time when the service member is not deployed.
Iowa law recognizes that military service often requires flexibility in child custody arrangements. Our firm advocates for parenting plans that protect both the service member’s parental rights and the child’s need for stability and consistency. We also address issues like relocation when military orders require a parent to move, helping families navigate these transitions while prioritizing children’s well-being.
Child support calculations in military divorce cases must account for all forms of military compensation, including base pay, housing allowances, and special pay. Military regulations also require service members to provide financial support for dependents, and failure to comply can result in military consequences beyond court enforcement.
We ensure that child support orders accurately reflect income and that support arrangements comply with both Iowa guidelines and military requirements. When circumstances change due to deployment, promotion, or other military factors, we assist with modifications to support orders.
Spousal support in military divorce cases considers the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s earning capacity. For spouses who followed a service member through multiple relocations and sacrificed career opportunities for military life, spousal support can be critical for financial stability after divorce.
Beyond retirement pay, military families often have other assets requiring division. These may include military housing allowances used to purchase property, military-specific insurance policies, and benefits like commissary and exchange privileges. While some benefits cannot be divided or extended to former spouses, understanding what is at stake helps clients plan for their financial future after divorce.
We assist with identifying all marital assets, ensuring full financial disclosure, and advocating for equitable distribution. Whether dealing with real estate acquired during military service, vehicles, or personal property, we work to achieve outcomes that reflect both legal standards and our clients’ contributions to the marriage.
Military divorce cases typically follow Iowa’s standard divorce procedures, but with additional considerations for service members’ rights and protections. The process begins with filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in the appropriate Iowa court. Residency requirements must be met, though military service can affect how these requirements are satisfied.
Service of process requires special attention in military cases. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides protections for active-duty service members, including the right to request a stay of proceedings if military duties prevent participation in the case. Our firm ensures proper service and complies with SCRA requirements while protecting our clients’ interests.
Documentation requirements in military divorce include military pay records, leave and earnings statements, and documentation of all military benefits. Financial disclosure must be complete and accurate, covering all forms of compensation and benefits. We gather necessary documentation, prepare clients for hearings, and present evidence effectively to the court.
The timeline for military divorce varies based on case complexity, deployment schedules, and whether issues are contested or resolved through agreement. Cases involving deployment may take longer, but Iowa courts work to accommodate military schedules when possible. Common challenges include coordinating schedules around military duties, addressing deployment concerns in custody arrangements, and properly valuing military benefits for division.
If you are facing military divorce in Des Moines, early consultation with an attorney who understands military-specific issues can make a significant difference in your case outcome. At Feitelson Law Firm, we bring 20 years of experience to every family law matter, including those complicated by military service.
Our approach combines thorough preparation with practical problem-solving. We take time to understand your goals, explain your options under Iowa and federal law, and develop strategies designed to protect your rights and interests. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we advocate persistently for fair outcomes that help you move forward with confidence.
Military families sacrifice much in service to our country. You deserve a lawyer who respects that sacrifice and fights for your rights during one of life’s most challenging transitions. We understand the unique demands of military life and how they affect divorce proceedings, and we are prepared to guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t wait until critical decisions are made without proper legal representation. The earlier you involve a Des Moines military divorce lawyer, the better positioned you will be to protect your financial future, your parental rights, and your stability after divorce.
Contact Feitelson Law Firm today at 515-267-1265 to schedule your consultation. We will provide honest answers, clear guidance, and the dedicated legal support you need. Your future matters, and we are here to help you protect it.
The 10/10 rule is often misunderstood in military divorce cases. This rule states that the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will make direct payments to a former spouse only if the marriage lasted at least 10 years AND those 10 years overlapped with at least 10 years of military service. However, this rule only affects the payment method, not your entitlement to a portion of the retirement pay. Even if you don’t meet the 10/10 rule, you may still be entitled to a share of military retirement benefits based on the length of your marriage and Iowa’s equitable distribution laws. The service member would simply pay you directly rather than DFAS sending separate payments. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for protecting your financial interests. Contact the Feitelson Law Firm at 515-267-1265 to discuss how the military retirement division applies to your specific situation.
Yes, military retirement pay can be garnished for unpaid child support and spousal support. Federal law allows up to 50% of disposable retired pay to be garnished for support obligations if the service member is not supporting another spouse or child, and up to 60% if they are not. These percentages can increase by 5% if support payments are more than 12 weeks in arrears. Military pay, including active-duty pay, can also be garnished for these obligations through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. If you are owed support payments and your former spouse is in the military, enforcement mechanisms are available that can be more effective than standard civilian collection methods. Our firm can help you navigate the military-specific enforcement procedures to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
Your eligibility for continued military healthcare benefits after divorce depends on what’s known as the 20/20/20 rule or the 20/20/15 rule. Under the 20/20/20 rule, if you were married for at least 20 years, your spouse served at least 20 years of creditable military service, and those 20 years overlapped, you may retain full military healthcare benefits including TRICARE. The 20/20/15 rule provides temporary coverage for one year after divorce if you were married for at least 20 years, your spouse served at least 20 years, but only 15 of those years overlapped. If you don’t meet these thresholds, you will lose military healthcare benefits upon divorce, making it critical to plan for alternative coverage. This is one reason why understanding your healthcare options is an important part of settlement negotiations. We can help you evaluate your benefits eligibility and plan accordingly during your divorce proceedings.
VA disability compensation is treated differently from military retirement pay. Under federal law, VA disability benefits are generally not subject to division as marital property in divorce. However, the reality is more complicated. If a service member waives a portion of their retirement pay to receive VA disability compensation, this can reduce the amount of retirement pay available for division. Iowa courts may consider the loss of retirement pay due to VA disability when determining spousal support or other financial arrangements. Some courts have ordered service members to indemnify their former spouses for the loss of retirement pay caused by electing VA disability benefits. These cases can be legally complex and require careful analysis of both federal and state law. Our firm can help you understand how VA disability affects your specific case and work to protect your financial interests.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is considered income for purposes of calculating child support in Iowa. Military compensation includes not just base pay but also allowances like BAH, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), and special pays. All of these forms of compensation are typically included when determining a service member’s income for child support purposes. This is important because military pay can be significantly higher than base pay alone when allowances are included. Additionally, if a service member’s BAH changes due to moving to a different duty station or changing dependency status after divorce, this could be grounds for modifying child support orders. Courts look at the full picture of military compensation to ensure children receive appropriate financial support. If you have questions about how military pay affects your child support case, we can review your situation and ensure calculations are accurate and fair.
Service members have legal obligations to attend court proceedings, but military duties can create scheduling conflicts. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty service members can request a stay (postponement) of court proceedings if military duties prevent their attendance. However, this is meant to protect service members from default judgments, not to indefinitely delay proceedings. Military leave policies vary by branch, but most service members can request leave to attend important court proceedings like custody hearings. Family care plans, which are required for service members with dependents, may also be relevant to custody arrangements and can demonstrate a service member’s planning for childcare during deployments. Iowa courts generally work to accommodate military schedules while also moving cases forward. If deployment or military duties are affecting your ability to resolve custody matters, we can help you navigate these challenges while protecting your parental rights throughout the process.
Relocation cases involving military orders are among the most challenging custody issues in military divorce. In Iowa, a parent generally needs court permission to relocate a child out of state if it will significantly impact the other parent’s visitation. However, when military orders require relocation, courts must balance the service member’s duty to follow orders with the other parent’s relationship with the child and the child’s best interests. If you receive notice that your former spouse plans to relocate with your children due to military orders, you have legal options. You may be able to request a modification of the custody arrangement, seek primary custody if you remain in the area, or request that the children stay with you while the service member is stationed elsewhere. Time is critical in these situations.
© 2025 Feitelson Law Firm All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
