Anchorage Military Divorce Lawyer

Alaska Military Child Custody Attorney

Military Pensions and Other Issues in Divorce and Family Law

Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as “military divorce.” Divorce is a state court matter. However, members of the Armed Forces do have special considerations in divorce and custody matters. This is especially true for military personnel stationed in Alaska.

The Law Office of Maurice N. Ellis in Anchorage practices exclusively in family law. Mr. Ellis regularly represents men and women of the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard throughout Alaska in contested proceedings over property, child custody and child support. His clients include enlisted personnel and officers of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright and Air Station Kodiak, or their civilian spouses.

Anchorage Military Divorce Attorney

Maurice Ellis has practiced in Anchorage since 1993. He is a skilled trial lawyer and very knowledgeable about Alaska family law and federal law pertaining to members of the military. He can capably address common conflicts in military divorce and custody disputes:

  • Military pensions — A spouse is entitled to an equitable share of the service member’s retired pay if the couple was married for at least 10 years during at least 10 years of the service member’s service in the Armed Forces. If the marriage lasted less than 10 years, vested military retirements and related military benefits may still be considered an asset of the marriage to be factored into the overall property division ordered by the court or agreed to by the parties.
  • Child support — Alaska is considered a “foreign post,” which means that personnel stationed in Alaska receives additional pay and benefits that count as income in the determination of child support.
  • Housing benefits — Military parents with full or shared custody of children may qualify for a higher base housing allowance, plus relocation expenses.
  • Custody and visitation — Mr. Ellis represents many out-of-state parents (military or civilian) in Alaska family courts relating to child custody, visitation, parental relocation and other disputes.
  • Domestic violence — The incidence of domestic abuse is notably higher in Alaska than in other jurisdictions, including within military families. Mr. Ellis represents individuals in court proceedings for domestic violence and protective orders. These allegations can affect military careers, and they also play a role in contested custody and divorce.

We Understand Military Family Law

These are just some of the many legal and financial issues in military divorce and family law cases. Mr. Ellis can knowledgeably answer any question and capably represent you in court proceedings, including participation by telephone for military clients at bases and remote outposts across Alaska.

Call 907-258-1239 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with Maurice Ellis. We offer a 10 percent discount to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.