Military Divorce Lawyer in Worcester County

Support For Service Members & Families In Transition

Military divorce adds layers of complexity to an already difficult process. Orders, deployments, relocations, and military benefits all intersect with Massachusetts family law, and the stakes often feel overwhelming. At Burke Levy, P.C., we work with service members and military spouses in Worcester County who need clear, steady guidance through this transition.

Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined courtroom experience to divorce and custody cases. We built our firm around family law and criminal defense together because many family disputes involve allegations, protective orders, or DCF investigations. When those issues overlap with a military divorce, we coordinate your entire legal picture so you do not have to manage multiple lawyers or conflicting strategies.

To talk with our Worcester County military divorce attorneys about your situation, call (508) 802-4546.

Challenges In Military Divorce Cases

Military families face pressures that civilian families often do not. When a marriage ends, those pressures can quickly turn into legal problems. A military divorce lawyer Worcester County clients can rely on understands both the service demands and the rules that apply in the local courts.

Custody and parenting arrangements are often the most urgent concern. Training cycles, drill weekends, and deployments can make a traditional schedule unrealistic. One parent may worry about losing time with the children when orders change. The other may be concerned about stability if frequent moves continue. Massachusetts courts focus on the best interests of the child, and judges typically expect a detailed plan that accounts for these realities.

Financial questions can be just as stressful. Families often depend on base pay, BAH, and other allowances to cover housing and everyday expenses. When spouses separate, everyone wants to know what will happen to military retirement, the Thrift Savings Plan, and access to health coverage. These issues involve a mix of federal rules and Massachusetts law, so it is important to address them carefully and early.

Some military divorces also involve restraining orders, criminal charges related to domestic incidents, or reports to DCF. Those cases can affect both family outcomes and, for service members, their career and clearance. Our firm was designed to handle family, criminal, and DCF matters together, which helps keep your overall strategy consistent and focused on your future.

How Our Firm Approaches Military Divorce

When you work with Burke Levy, P.C., you work directly with an attorney who knows your case and your goals. We take the time to listen to your story, including your service obligations, your children’s needs, and any parallel legal issues. From there, we build a plan that fits your situation instead of forcing you into a one-size approach.

Our attorneys have handled more than 400 trials in courts across Massachusetts. That depth of courtroom work matters when your case involves contested custody, cross allegations, or evidentiary hearings. We are comfortable presenting complex timelines, service records, and family histories in a way judges can follow. Andrea Levy’s background in developmental psychology supports how we frame parenting plans and children’s needs, particularly where stress, moves, or conflict have affected them.

Many clients come to us with both a family case and a criminal charge, or with DCF already involved. Because our practice is built on both family law and criminal defense, we coordinate these matters instead of treating them as separate problems. That means one team looking at how a restraining order might affect your parenting time or how a criminal case could impact your standing in Worcester Probate and Family Court.

Key Issues In Massachusetts Military Divorce

A military divorce touches many of the same legal topics as any other divorce, but service adds extra layers. We guide clients through these issues under Massachusetts law, while paying close attention to the impact on military life and benefits.

Custody & Parenting For Military Parents

Child custody and parenting plans are decided under Massachusetts standards, including in Worcester Probate and Family Court when that court has jurisdiction. For military parents, questions often arise about what happens if deployment or PCS orders arrive after an agreement or judgment. We work with you to develop parenting schedules that account for realistic availability, including virtual contact and time during leave, and we help you present a plan that focuses on your children’s stability and relationships with both parents.

Military Retirement & Other Benefits

Military retirement and the Thrift Savings Plan are often major assets in a long term marriage. Division of these interests typically involves federal regulations together with Massachusetts property rules. We explain how courts may look at length of service, length of the marriage, and other factors. Our role is to help you understand your options and prepare proposals that reflect both legal requirements and your financial goals.

Support & Income That Includes Military Pay

When a service member’s income includes base pay, BAH, and other allowances, calculating child support or possible spousal support can feel confusing. We break down the components of income in plain language and discuss how they are usually treated in Massachusetts. Our attorneys then work with you to gather the documentation the court typically expects and to present a clear picture of your financial reality.

Overlapping Criminal Or DCF Matters

Disputes that lead to divorce sometimes also lead to criminal charges, restraining orders, or DCF involvement. These cases can move on different timelines from the divorce itself, and they often influence how a judge views safety and parenting. Because our attorneys have long experience as former prosecutors and defense counsel, we understand how evidence from one case can appear in another. We coordinate strategy so that what you say in one courtroom does not undermine your position in another.

What To Expect Working With Our Team

Throughout the case, we provide updates in plain language. You hear from us before important dates so you know what to expect at each hearing or conference. We prepare you for testimony when needed, explaining the setting at Worcester Probate and Family Court and walking through likely questions. Our goal is that you arrive at court feeling informed, not blindsided.

If you are considering a military divorce, these first steps can help you prepare:

• Collect recent LES or pay stubs, orders, and basic financial records.
• Write down your main concerns about your children, housing, and benefits.
• Note any existing court cases, restraining orders, or DCF involvement.
• Contact our office to schedule a time to discuss your situation.

From the beginning, we set clear expectations about strategy and potential outcomes. We remain transparent about what we can and cannot control, and we do not make promises we cannot keep. Clients often tell us they value our follow-through and the sense that no detail is overlooked before a court date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does deployment affect child custody in Massachusetts?

Deployment can affect the schedule, but it does not erase your role as a parent. Courts in this state focus on your child’s best interests and can consider temporary adjustments when you are away. We work with you to propose plans that maintain contact and preserve your relationship.

What happens to my military retirement in a divorce?

Military retirement is often treated as property that may be divided, subject to federal rules and Massachusetts law. How that looks depends on factors such as years of service and length of the marriage. We explain the options and help you present reasonable proposals to the court.

Can you handle my divorce and a related criminal case?

Our firm is structured to address both family matters and criminal charges together. Many clients come to us with restraining orders, domestic allegations, or DCF involvement tied to the breakup. We coordinate strategy so your positions are consistent across all courts and your rights stay protected.

How long does a military divorce take here?

The timeline depends on how contested the issues are and the court’s schedule. Some cases resolve through agreement within several months, while others require hearings or trial in Worcester Probate and Family Court. We discuss likely timing at the outset and keep you informed as the case progresses.

How will your attorneys communicate with me?

We place a high priority on responsive, clear communication. Our attorneys strive to return calls and texts quickly, provide regular updates, and explain each step in straightforward terms. We can meet by phone, email, or in person, which helps us stay connected despite military schedules.

Talk With Our Military Divorce Team

If you are facing a military divorce in Worcester County, you do not have to sort through custody, benefits, and court procedures on your own. Our attorneys at Burke Levy, P.C. work to provide steady guidance, coordinated strategies across family and criminal matters, and clear communication from the first conversation.

With decades of courtroom experience, more than 400 trials, and deep familiarity with Massachusetts courts, we are prepared to help you move from uncertainty toward a plan. We offer flexible ways to connect so you can take the next step even with a demanding schedule.

To talk with our Worcester County military divorce team about your situation, call (508) 802-4546.