Military divorces are significantly different from regular divorces and require a divorce attorney who specializes in the military field.

Active members of the military can have a court-ordered delay of proceedings to allow full focus on their job. Military members can also choose a jurisdiction when filing for divorce. This can include the state in which the spouse lives, the state in which the member is stationed, or the state in which the member plans to move after service. This means the military member can essentially choose which set of laws to follow in the divorce proceedings. In addition to state law, military service can initiate federal involvement in the divorce.

Apart from traditional property, military divorces have at stake military benefits for the non-military member spouse. He or she, depending on the length of marriage and jurisdiction law, may maintain benefits like full medical coverage. Retirement pay may also be treated as dividable property between the parties.

To address financial and family concerns, like child custody or child support, a divorce attorney with a specialty in military law is often consulted.