Question By: Military deployment can significantly impact child custody arrangements, introducing unique challenges for both custodial and noncustodial parents. When a custodial parent, who has physical custody of the child, receives military orders for deployment, it may disrupt the existing parenting plan. The court recognizes the importance of maintaining the child's relationship with both parents, even in the face of deployment.
Many jurisdictions have enacted laws, such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), to address the issues arising from military deployment in family law matters. The SCRA provides certain protections for military personnel, including a stay of legal proceedings, which can temporarily halt the custody case during deployment. This is intended to ensure that military parents can focus on their duties without being unduly burdened by legal matters.
Additionally, deployment can trigger a modification of the existing custody arrangement. The court will consider the best interests of the child and may temporarily adjust custody to accommodate the deployed parent's absence. The noncustodial parent may have increased visitation rights during this period to maintain a strong parent-child relationship.
Communication between parents becomes crucial during deployment, necessitating clear and detailed plans for visitation, communication, and decision-making. Seeking legal advice from a Child Custody Attorney experienced in military family law is essential to navigate the complexities of deployment and ensure the child's well-being remains a top priority throughout the process. For more information, visit: https://bruninglaw.com/family-law/
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