How do I get my share of military retirement after divorce?

Military Law Discussions
1

I recently divorced after 24 years of marriage to my active duty husband. The divorce was finalized on July 25th, and I’m wondering how I get my half of the retirement. He gets $70,000 a year, and my share should be around $30,000. Do I need to do something, or will the court automatically send it to me? Who do I contact to set this up?

2

You’ll need to contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to get your payments started. Did your lawyer mention anything about this during the divorce?

3

Lennox said:
You’ll need to contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to get your payments started. Did your lawyer mention anything about this during the divorce?

No, they didn’t. I was told I’d get something in the mail, but I haven’t received anything yet. Do you know what forms I need?

4

Lennox said:
You’ll need to contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to get your payments started. Did your lawyer mention anything about this during the divorce?

Yeah, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms with DFAS. Check out their website—it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s the link: Direct Payment of Military Retirement from DFAS | Military Divorce Guide.

5

When I went through this, I had to submit a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to DFAS. Did your lawyer handle that as part of the divorce?

6

Drue said:
When I went through this, I had to submit a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to DFAS. Did your lawyer handle that as part of the divorce?

I think so, but I’m not sure if it’s been processed. How do I find out?

7

Drue said:
When I went through this, I had to submit a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to DFAS. Did your lawyer handle that as part of the divorce?

You can call DFAS directly or ask your lawyer to check if it’s been filed. The contact info should be on their site.

8

FYI, if he hasn’t officially retired yet, you might not see payments until he does. Has he retired already?

9

Remy said:
FYI, if he hasn’t officially retired yet, you might not see payments until he does. Has he retired already?

He’s still active duty for now. Does that mean I’ll have to wait?

10

Remy said:
FYI, if he hasn’t officially retired yet, you might not see payments until he does. Has he retired already?

Yeah, DFAS only pays out once retirement is official. But it’s good to get the forms sorted now so you’re ready.

11

Also, make sure you have a direct deposit set up with DFAS. They’ll pay your share directly to your bank account once everything’s processed.

12

Noor said:
Also, make sure you have a direct deposit set up with DFAS. They’ll pay your share directly to your bank account once everything’s processed.

Good to know, thanks! I’ll look into setting that up once I get the forms filled out.

13

What’s DFAS? I’m not familiar with that term.

14

Micah said:
What’s DFAS? I’m not familiar with that term.

Oh, it’s the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. They handle military pay, including retirement benefits.

15

Micah said:
What’s DFAS? I’m not familiar with that term.

Got it, thanks! That makes sense now.