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Dads Divorce - Free custody and alimony advice for men and fathers.

Providing essential divorce, alimony, custody and support information and resources to men at any stage of divorce.
Tags >> duty
Jan 05
2005

Ask a Lawyer: Currently stationed in Iraq

Posted by Dads Divorce in soldier , NC , multi-state , military service , Maintenance , Iraq , garnishment , duty , Child Support , Ask A Lawyer

Question:

My new wife was just served with a complaint from Pennsylvania where we live. It was sent by the state of North Carolina where my ex lives. She is requesting more money. They requested me to show up but I currently live in Iraq... She filed this motion in NC and in PA. So I have NC garnishing my money and I have PA requesting documents from me to modify and garnish my wages... What am I to do?

Answer:

Have your current wife retain an attorney and seek protection under the Soldiers and Sailor's Relief Act. This Act prevents the prosecution of litigation against military personel on active duty. This will delay the action until your return, but not prevent the action from going forward when you return. With regard to the situation presented, it appears from the limited information presented that the proper procedure under the uniform child support statutes is being followed. The State that is the residence of the child will perform the modification, but your State of residence will enforce the action.
Nov 29
1999

Ask a Lawyer: Where is the jurisdiction?

Posted by Dads Divorce in soldier , Rules , Procedures , ND , multi-state , military , jurisdiction , duty , Ask A Lawyer , army

Question:

This is for my son: If spouse lives in Grand Forks, Minnesota, how can the divorce be in Grand Forks, North Dakota? They lived in North Dakota while in military and then moved to Texas. She stayed for 39 days and took the baby and went back to her dad's in Grand Forks, Minnesota. It has been six months and she filed for divorce in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Do they have the same jurisdiction? How can that be?

Answer:

Each state has different requirements for a party to obtain sufficient periods of residency to allow a party to file for divorce. For example in Missouri a party must be a resident for 90 days or longer. The location that would have jurisdiction is the last location that could enter the divorce. In all likelihood it would appear to me that Minnesota or Texas would be the proper location for the divorce. That allows the State to have subject matter jurisdiction over the divorce action. The State can not divide real property that is located in another State. Furthermore, the State would still need to obtain personal jurisdiction over your son. This means that he would need to be served with a petition from that State and have some minimal contact with that State. If served with a divorce petition from North Dakota you would need to retain an attorney in Grand Forks and ask them to file a Motion to Dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. If you have another action pending in another State he could ask that her Petition be transferred to the appropriate State. Finally, if your son is on active duty with the military he maybe able to halt the proceedings by claiming relief under the Soliders and Sailors Relief Act.