When one or both spouses is an active member of the military, there are unique issues to be addressed. The Uniform Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (UFSPA) applies to all active duty, reserve/guard, retired military, the U.S. Coast Guard, and members of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Enacted in 1982, the purpose of the UFSPA is to determine the rights of a spouse of a covered member, including issues such as spousal support and division of retirement benefits. California applies these laws during a divorce, which are complex.
Basic questions about the UFSPA are addressed at: https://www.nclamp.gov/publications/take-1/uniformed-services-former-spouses-protection-act-usfspa/
Leigh A. Kretzschmar has a broad and indispensable knowledge of the UFSPA, enabling her to secure entitlements legally belonging to her military clients or their spouses. In addition, she has the necessary experience representing military service members and can help save, time, money and aggravation by guiding clients through the nuances inherent in UFSPA and other military policies.