Military Divorce

Military Divorce Attorney in Jackson, TN

Tennessee Military Divorce Lawyers With 40+ Years of Combined Experience

Military divorce follows two sets of rules at once: Tennessee family law and a layer of federal statutes that apply only to service members and their spouses. At Casey & Simmons, PLLC, we handle that added complexity from offices in Jackson and Clarksville, Tennessee, building individualized strategies for each client rather than applying off-the-shelf solutions. Jackson-area military families, including those connected to the Franklin-Taylor Armory and the 194th Engineer Brigade, face relocation, deployment, and federal benefit questions that simply don’t come up in a civilian divorce.

If you’re facing a military divorce in the Jackson, TN area, call us today at (731) 256-0023. We can evaluate your situation and outline a clear path forward.

How We Approach Military Divorce Cases

Our firm brings over 40 years of combined legal experience to every case, and G. Michael Casey holds a 10.0 Superb Top Attorney rating on Avvo. Military divorce demands more than familiarity with Tennessee family courts. It requires thorough evaluation of federal protections, strategic planning around benefit division, and meticulous preparation for proceedings that can cross state lines. We keep clients informed at every stage so they can make decisions as issues arise.

Filing for Divorce in Tennessee as a Service Member

Tennessee generally requires the filing spouse to have resided in the state for six months before filing under T.C.A. § 36-4-104. Service members and their spouses who have lived in Tennessee for at least one year are presumed to be Tennessee residents for divorce purposes under § 36-4-104(b), a presumption that requires clear and convincing evidence of domicile elsewhere to overcome. For active-duty members, filing location isn’t always straightforward: a case may be filed where you’re stationed, where your spouse lives, or where you claim legal residency.

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives active-duty members the right to request a stay of proceedings when military duties materially affect their ability to participate. Tennessee courts may grant stays of around 90 days as an initial period, though the length depends on the circumstances of each case. Military divorces filed in the Jackson area are heard in Madison County Chancery Court.

Call (731) 256-0023 to speak with one of our military divorce attorneys about your case.

Dividing Military Retirement Pay in a Tennessee Divorce

Military retirement is often the most significant asset in a military divorce. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) permits state courts to treat a service member’s disposable retired pay as marital property subject to division. Tennessee divides marital property through equitable distribution, so courts divide only the portion of the pension earned during the marriage, not the entire benefit.

The 10/10 Rule & DFAS Direct Payment

Whether a former spouse can receive their share directly from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) depends on the 10/10 rule: the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, overlapping with at least 10 years of creditable military service. When that threshold is met, DFAS can pay the former spouse’s share directly. When it isn’t, the division order is still enforceable, but the service member pays the former spouse’s share out of pocket. Federal law caps direct DFAS payments at 50% of disposable retired pay for property division, rising to 65% when child support or alimony garnishment is included.

Getting retirement division right at the time of the decree matters. Errors in a military pension division order can be difficult and costly to correct later.

Child Custody When a Parent Is Deployed

Tennessee’s Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act, codified at Title 36, Chapter 7 of the Tennessee Code, governs custody arrangements when a parent faces military deployment. The law establishes how temporary custody agreements work during deployment and how those temporary arrangements interact with permanent orders when the deploying parent returns.

Custody decisions still follow Tennessee’s best-interest-of-the-child standard alongside any deployment-specific provisions. Deployment introduces real pressure: timelines are often short, and temporary agreements can shape expectations well beyond the deployment period. Tennessee’s parental relocation statute, T.C.A. § 36-6-108, also applies to military parents who must move for service, with no automatic exception for military-ordered relocation.

A deployment parenting plan that anticipates return dates, communication schedules, and contingency arrangements gives both parents and the court a workable framework. Our attorneys develop those plans with the same thoroughness we bring to every other phase of a military divorce case.

Ready to move forward? Call (731) 256-0023 to speak with our team at Casey & Simmons, PLLC. We’ll listen to your situation and can help you understand your options under both Tennessee and federal law.

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"He fought for me and each time won my case. He was humble, understanding and compassionate."
After meeting him in person I knew he was who I wanted to represent me in a child custody case and later in an adoption case. He responses quickly, effectively and in a timely manner whenever I had a question. He fought for me and each time won my case.

- Ashley R.
"Don’t wait any longer if you need someone great, Mr. Bryant will definitely get the job done!"
First and foremost I want to start by saying how incredible Mr. Daniel Bryant has been for my family, especially my husband Caius. He has been my husband’s attorney for years and has helped him beat multiple cases even by getting them dismissed and expunged. We’re more than thankful for all the hard work he has done and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an amazing attorney!!! Don’t wait any longer if you need someone great, Mr. Bryant will definitely get the job done!

- Raven B.
"I am extremely confident that the truth will continue to prevail with Mr. Casey on our side arguing for it."
Simply outstanding! Not only is my particular case extremely complex and emotionally taxing for both myself, AND everyone involved (including counsel), but Mr. Casey had literally HOURS to prepare for a crucial motion to be heard, as I hired him at 4 pm for a 9 am court date. This proved to be the best decision we could have ever made! His exemplary presentation of the truth, combined with his calm yet laser-focused attention to what was being presented from the other side was not only impressive but was also what resulted in me being able to spend very precious and valuable time with my daughter. While this case is not yet over, I am extremely confident that the truth will continue to prevail with Mr. Casey on our side arguing for it. Thank you, Mr. Casey!

- Daniel M.
"Mr. Bryant was caring, honest, and very professional throughout my entire case."
Hands down recommend Mr. Bryant for family law cases. Mr. Bryant was caring, honest, and very professional throughout my entire case. He is very responsive, confident, and truly dedicated to his work.

- Corinne A.
"Mr. Bryant has been the best attorney I have ever hired."
Mr. Bryant has been the best attorney I have ever hired. He handled my case in a very professional manner. And once it was over, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. If you need help in Clarksville, TN contact this law office!

- Mitch P.
"Mr. Daniel Bryant was absolutely one of the best lawyers I had..."
On my first time to deal with hiring a lawyer from overseas, I was scared and a little skeptical. Mr. Daniel Bryant was absolutely one of the best lawyers I had to deal with. Very professional, patient, clear on explaining things, quick on answering back beside the time difference, easy to work with, human and humble. I would highly reccomend him and definetely hire him again if needed, it is difficilt to find reliable lawyers.

- Micol
"Please choose wisely and call Mr. Casey today!!!"
My ex-wife got our Arkansas visitation changed from Arkansas to Tennessee. She was asking to reduce my visitation days and requesting an absurdly increased amount in child support. I contacted George Michael Casey for consultation. He was very professional, extremely knowledgeable of the law and his customer service is impeccable. Mr. Casey always returns calls and responds to emails promptly. His review of how the case would probably turn out was perfect. I actually got more visitation days and the increase in child support was minimal. If you do not utilize Mr. Casey's expert professional services then you are choosing the wrong attorney. Please choose wisely and call Mr. Casey today!!!

- William C.
"I was able to relax through the process, Kortney Simmons is the best!"
I was a nervous wreck simply considering divorce because of the horror stories I've heard. Kortney leveled the playing field, she was upfront and honest about the pros and cons but assured me she was interested in MY BEST INTEREST. Kortney's professionalism felt personal as if I were more than just a paying client. And because of that, I was able to relax through the process, Kortney Simmons is the best!

- Former Client

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What You'll Get

Here's our promise to every client:

Caring Counsel
At our firm, we understand that you are going through a difficult time. We will guide you through this process with compassion and experience.
Personalized Approach
We understand that every case is unique. Our firm provides personalized attention and unique strategies for each case in order to achieve the most favorable results.

Fierce Advocacy
When you work with our firm, you will have advocates on your side that are ready for any circumstances and are not afraid to take your case to trial to secure favorable results.
Decades of Experience
Our firm offers more than 40 years of combined legal experience to advocate for you. Each of our attorneys will bring their insight and to your case.

Client Reviews

Strongly Recommended by Clients & Colleagues

"He fought for me and each time won my case. He was humble, understanding and compassionate."
After meeting him in person I knew he was who I wanted to represent me in a child custody case and later in an adoption case. He responses quickly, effectively and in a timely manner whenever I had a question. He fought for me and each time won my case.

- Ashley R.
"Don’t wait any longer if you need someone great, Mr. Bryant will definitely get the job done!"
First and foremost I want to start by saying how incredible Mr. Daniel Bryant has been for my family, especially my husband Caius. He has been my husband’s attorney for years and has helped him beat multiple cases even by getting them dismissed and expunged. We’re more than thankful for all the hard work he has done and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an amazing attorney!!! Don’t wait any longer if you need someone great, Mr. Bryant will definitely get the job done!

- Raven B.
"I am extremely confident that the truth will continue to prevail with Mr. Casey on our side arguing for it."
Simply outstanding! Not only is my particular case extremely complex and emotionally taxing for both myself, AND everyone involved (including counsel), but Mr. Casey had literally HOURS to prepare for a crucial motion to be heard, as I hired him at 4 pm for a 9 am court date. This proved to be the best decision we could have ever made! His exemplary presentation of the truth, combined with his calm yet laser-focused attention to what was being presented from the other side was not only impressive but was also what resulted in me being able to spend very precious and valuable time with my daughter. While this case is not yet over, I am extremely confident that the truth will continue to prevail with Mr. Casey on our side arguing for it. Thank you, Mr. Casey!

- Daniel M.
"Mr. Bryant was caring, honest, and very professional throughout my entire case."
Hands down recommend Mr. Bryant for family law cases. Mr. Bryant was caring, honest, and very professional throughout my entire case. He is very responsive, confident, and truly dedicated to his work.

- Corinne A.
"Mr. Bryant has been the best attorney I have ever hired."
Mr. Bryant has been the best attorney I have ever hired. He handled my case in a very professional manner. And once it was over, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. If you need help in Clarksville, TN contact this law office!

- Mitch P.
"Mr. Daniel Bryant was absolutely one of the best lawyers I had..."
On my first time to deal with hiring a lawyer from overseas, I was scared and a little skeptical. Mr. Daniel Bryant was absolutely one of the best lawyers I had to deal with. Very professional, patient, clear on explaining things, quick on answering back beside the time difference, easy to work with, human and humble. I would highly reccomend him and definetely hire him again if needed, it is difficilt to find reliable lawyers.

- Micol
"Please choose wisely and call Mr. Casey today!!!"
My ex-wife got our Arkansas visitation changed from Arkansas to Tennessee. She was asking to reduce my visitation days and requesting an absurdly increased amount in child support. I contacted George Michael Casey for consultation. He was very professional, extremely knowledgeable of the law and his customer service is impeccable. Mr. Casey always returns calls and responds to emails promptly. His review of how the case would probably turn out was perfect. I actually got more visitation days and the increase in child support was minimal. If you do not utilize Mr. Casey's expert professional services then you are choosing the wrong attorney. Please choose wisely and call Mr. Casey today!!!

- William C.
"I was able to relax through the process, Kortney Simmons is the best!"
I was a nervous wreck simply considering divorce because of the horror stories I've heard. Kortney leveled the playing field, she was upfront and honest about the pros and cons but assured me she was interested in MY BEST INTEREST. Kortney's professionalism felt personal as if I were more than just a paying client. And because of that, I was able to relax through the process, Kortney Simmons is the best!

- Former Client

View All Reviews

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