Here are Uncle Ed's Top Ten mistakes lawyers make when handling a military divorce.
Number 10. Preparing a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to effect the division of military retired pay.
Number 9. Not understanding the rules on reopening divorces before June 21, 1981.
Number 8. Not following the regulation when sending the application package to the finance center.
Number 7. Not understanding the special protections of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Number 6. Not understanding the "10 year" rule found in Section 1408(d)(2).
Number 5. Not understanding the special jurisdictional requirements of the Act in Section 1408(c)(4).
Number 4. Not ensuring that the order is clear as to the portion of the retirement that the former spouse is to receive.
Number 3. Not considering the rules about the effect of the death of the military member on the payments to the former spouse.
Number 2. Not studying the act and the regulations.
And the Number 1 mistake divorce lawyers make in handling military divorces is:
Not seeking the assistance of someone who has years of experience and a thorough understanding of the process.
