-LONG DEPLOYMENTS TAKE A TOLL ON MILITARY MARRIAGES–

As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence, we are reminded of the sacrifices so many in the military make to protect our freedoms. Those who serve put both their lives and their marriages in peril. A study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, found that long deployments from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased the risk of divorce.

Most divorces are accompanied by varying stresses, both financial and emotional. The

Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Group (CCDG) is a resource available to guide families

through the process. CCDG is comprised of attorneys, financial and mental health

professionals who work together to ensure the divorce process goes as smoothly as possible.

Lengthy deployments of military members result in depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); factors which contribute to the increase rate of military divorces.

Although not every case should be handled collaboratively, the special problems faced by military families are exacerbated by deployment and can better be handled collaboratively. It is important to remember that anyone who serves in a combat zone is changed by the experience.

I represented a divorcing military member whose who was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED), and returned from deployment with a diagnosis of PTSD and related alcohol abuse issues. This ultimately caused the breakdown of the marriage. Emotionally, the military member who leaves the U.S. returns as a different person. The family that remained in CT is also affected in other ways by the deployment of the military member. Collaboratively, we will reduce further tension and emotional trauma that may be attendant to litigation. The CCDG professionals are here to help the family negotiate solutions that work best for everyone in the family.

Military families encounter distinctive legal and practical considerations during divorce.

Frequent moves, military pensions, healthcare benefits, and child custody arrangements

affected by deployments can complicate the dissolution process.

Robert B. Fried, Esq.

8 Glastonbury Avenue

Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Tel: 860-728-6644

Email: rbfried@ gmail.com

U.S. Army JAG Corp.

Major (Ret.)