When Virginia military service members return from overseas, friends and family alike often greet them with a warm embrace. Unfortunately, the transition thereafter is hardly easy. Whereas more than seven in 10 U.S. veterans in World War II recall their transition back to civilian life as very or somewhat easy, 44 percent of post-9/11 service members say it has been tough for them. Indeed, even as civilian divorce rates ease, the number of military divorces has risen.

In 2011, the military divorce rate increased to almost 4 percent. That meant the number of split-ups within military families was the highest it has been since 1999. The problem, according to many officials, is caused by the trauma that many service members have experienced while serving in the field of battle in addition to the length of the deployment.

Often times, members of the military may be deployed for several months at a time. During this period, life of course must continue back home. But when they return, service members may find themselves at conflict with their spouse over the way bills are paid or how the children are raised. Moreover, it used to be that the military allowed service members a minimum of 90 days to be alone with their families after returning home. That has now been reduced to just 45 days, then military members are required to attend retreats focused on relationship building and returning to family life.

When Virginia couples with one or both spouses in the military decide to file for divorce, they may face unique challenges in doing so. Military divorces can be more complicated than a civilian divorce and may additionally be constricted by tight deadlines. However, it is nonetheless sometimes necessary, and it may be helpful to review the applicable law before filing for a divorce.

Source: Kansas City Star, "Troops find transition to civilian life complicated," Rick Montgomery, Jan. 21, 2012