What are the unique laws that effect a divorcing military spouse?

In order of importance they are as follows: the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which is the amended Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940; the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) of 1982; and the Hague Convention on Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents.

SCRA protects military men and women from civil litigation (including divorce), so that they are able "to devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation." USFSPA deals with the division of retired military pay and the continuation of certain benefits to former military spouses. The Hague Convention covers the service of process abroad and may in a few cases be a factor when children are involved.

In addition, should the military spouse (who is usually the husband) be a party in a criminal action that involves his military service, he may be subject to a court martial, rather than a civilian court.