Family law / Military Divorce
Family Law for Military Families
Military life comes with unique demands. Deployments, relocations, overseas postings and changing schedules can place additional pressure on relationships, making separation or divorce more complex.
Military Separation & Divorce Solicitors
Service commitments often mean balancing family life alongside deployments, training exercises, temporary postings and long periods away from home. When relationships break down, these additional responsibilities can make decisions around children, finances and future arrangements feel overwhelming. Our experienced military divorce lawyers provide practical guidance throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions while keeping your family’s future at the centre of every conversation.
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Every family’s circumstances are unique, but our approach always remains the same: providing straightforward advice, communication and support from beginning to end.
Initial Enquiry
Once we receive your enquiry and run a conflict check, we’ll arrange your initial First Initial Meeting at a time that suits you (by phone, video, or in person). In this meeting we’ll explain the divorce process, answer your questions, and outline your options. You’ll never be pressured to make a decision, it’s entirely yours to take in your own time.
The Application
3 Days – 3 Weeks
You’ll choose between a joint application (both spouses apply together amicably) or a sole application (one spouse applies, and the other is the respondent). Sole applications cannot be converted into joint applications later. We’ll guide you through preparing and submitting the correct paperwork to the court.
Conditional Order 20 Weeks
After the application is submitted and acknowledged, there’s a 20-week reflection period before the Conditional Order is granted. This is time for both parties to consider the breakdown of the marriage and make arrangements regarding children and finances. Our team can provide legal support and advice throughout this period.
Final Order
6 Weeks
After the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply for the Final Order. Once issued, your marriage or civil partnership is legally dissolved. This marks the formal end of the divorce process.
LYONS BOWE ENQUIRY STRUCTURE
Your Family Law Journey
Initial Enquiry
Once we receive your enquiry and run a conflict check, we’ll arrange your initial Fixed Advice Meeting at a time that suits you (by phone, video, or in person). In this meeting we’ll explain the divorce process, answer your questions, and outline your options. You’ll never be pressured to make a decision, it’s entirely yours to take in your own time.
The Application
3 Days – 3 Weeks
You’ll choose between a joint application (both spouses apply together amicably) or a sole application (one spouse applies, and the other is the respondent). Sole applications cannot be converted into joint applications later. We’ll guide you through preparing and submitting the correct paperwork to the court.
Conditional Order 20 Weeks
After the application is submitted and acknowledged, there’s a 20-week reflection period before the Conditional Order is granted. This is time for both parties to consider the breakdown of the marriage and make arrangements regarding children and finances. Our team can provide legal support and advice throughout this period.
Final Order
6 Weeks
After the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply for the Final Order. Once issued, your marriage or civil partnership is legally dissolved. This marks the formal end of the divorce process.
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Get Started With Your First Initial Meeting
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Other Services We Offer
A Better Way to Separate
Helping Military Families Move Forward
Separation is never something families plan for. For military families, it can bring additional uncertainty as service commitments continue alongside major life changes. Whether you’re currently deployed, preparing for relocation or adjusting to civilian life, our Family Law team understands the importance of finding solutions that work around military service.
We provide practical advice on:
Child arrangements
Divorce and separation
Financial settlements
Consent Orders
Support Those Who Have Served.
For many serving veterans, supporting the Armed Forces community doesn’t end with service. By choosing to leave a gift in your Will to Combat Stress, you can help provide life-changing mental health support to veterans living with the invisible wounds of service.
Do I need specialist military divorce lawyers?
Military divorce follows the same legal process as civilian divorce in England and Wales, but military life can add additional complexities such as deployments, overseas postings, military pensions and child arrangements.
Working with military divorce lawyers who understand these challenges can help make the process clearer.
Can I get divorced while serving in the Armed Forces?
Yes. Serving members of the Armed Forces can begin or continue divorce proceedings while serving in the UK or overseas.
Our Family Law team can work with you remotely, providing advice through video appointments, secure document signing and our online client portal.
How are child arrangements managed during military deployment?
Child arrangements should always focus on the best interests of the child. If a parent is deployed or posted overseas, arrangements can often be adapted to maintain regular contact through planned visits, video calls, and agreed communication schedules while providing stability for the child.
What happens to my military pension during a divorce?
Military pensions are often one of the most valuable financial assets considered during divorce. Depending on your circumstances, the court may take your Armed Forces pension into account when reaching a financial settlement.
Can military legal assistance offices represent me in a divorce?
Military Legal Assistance Offices can provide general legal guidance and information for serving personnel, but they don’t usually represent individuals in civilian divorce proceedings.
If you need legal representation or advice on financial settlements or child arrangements, our team of Family Law solicitors can help.
Does Lyons Bowe offer support for military families and veterans?
Yes. We support serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans and military families with advice on separation, divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements, and military pensions.
Our Family Law solicitors help you access legal support when you need it most.
