Military service. A career of honor and sacrifice. Part of the sacrifice is being apart from family. Frequent and long deployment takes a toll on military parents and their families. Separation during an ongoing custody case brings uncertainty. Balancing responsibilities while one parent is away is almost unfair. Military service has its benefits. It has its rewards. Military families can receive housing. They have access to healthcare benefits. It’s all great except for the time you get deployed.
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It’s sad but getting deployed is part of military service. You compensate and compromise. You stay in touch no matter what. Make calls. Use video chats. Communicate the old-fashioned way through letters. Parents will have to be flexible. They will have to adapt to changing circumstances. With deployments and relocation, it will always be changing. Families will have to cope. It is important to seek support. There are resources you can harness to cope.
You Have Deployment, What Happens to the Custody Case Now?
Take care of children. That should be top of mind. That will be the first concern. The court would want to know who cares for the children. One parent is deployed. The other parent takes care of the child. This helps keep life normal. The deployed parent still has rights. The court thinks about their return when making rules. Deployment can make custody more complicated, but there are ways to handle it.
Laws Protect Military Parents. The law offers servicemen some protection. There is the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It can stay legal processes. Put them aside for a moment. It’s like a pause while you’re on active duty. This helps make sure you don’t lose your rights just because you’re away.
Temporary Custody Plans Keep Things Stable. When you deploy, the court may set up a temporary custody plan. The child may stay with the other parent or a trusted family member.
The Child’s Needs Come First. Like civilian divorces, military divorces also focus on the well-being of the child. It’s the all-time focus of the courts. Deployment keeps you away for long periods. It can be harder to keep custody or regular visits. But the court won’t take away your rights. The court won’t do that just because you’re serving.
Staying in Touch Is Important. Talk to your child constantly. Doing that while you’re away helps keep your bond strong. You can use:
- Video calls
- Phone calls
- Texts and messages
- Letters and care packages
Even small things, like bedtime stories over the phone, can make a big difference.
A Good Parenting Plan Helps. A flexible parenting plan can make things easier. It should include:
- Extra visits when you’re home on leave
- Video calls and messages while you’re away
- A plan for sudden deployments or schedule changes
Deployment Does Not Take Away Parenting Rights. Serving in the military does not mean losing parenting rights. The law protects deployed parents from unfair custody changes. A court cannot take away rights just because a parent is away on duty.
The court wants both parents to be involved, even when one is deployed. Planning helps you stay close to your child no matter where you are. A deployed parent does not lose their rights. The court knows they are serving the country. Laws protect them. Parents do not lose time with their children just because they are away.
How Does the Court Help a Deployed Parent Return?
A long deployment can have a toll on the military parent and the family. A moment of reintegration follows. When a parent comes back, the court makes a plan. This plan helps them spend time with their child again. The court looks at how long they were gone. They also think about what the child needs. The goal is to bring them back into the child’s life.
The Court Helps Parents Reconnect. When a parent comes back from deployment, they may need time to adjust. The court helps make the process smooth for both the parent and the child.
Rebuilding the Parent-Child Bond. A child may need time to get used to having their parent back. The court may:
- Set up a step-by-step plan to help the child adjust
- Suggest family therapy or counseling to support the reunion
- This helps make things easier for both the parent and the child.
Updating Custody and Parenting Time. The court makes sure the returning parent’s rights are protected. Judges will:
- Change temporary custody orders if needed
- Adjust parenting time so the parent can spend more time with the child
- The goal is to make sure the child gets time with both parents.
Keeping Communication Strong. Even after returning home, a parent may still have work or training that keeps them busy. The court encourages:
- More visits to rebuild the connection
- Video calls and messages to stay in touch
- This helps the child and parent stay close, even when they can’t be together in person.
Handling Moves After Deployment. Sometimes, a parent needs to move for a new assignment. The court looks at:
- What is best for the child before making changes
- Ways to keep the child’s school and home life stable
Reconnecting After Deployment. The court works to help both the parent and the child adjust. A strong plan and good communication can make the reunion easier for everyone. With help from supportive families and friends, the reintegration will be seamless. It will be a moment of less pain and more of happiness. We’re lawyers, not family counselors, but we’ve seen some things that seem to work.
- Spending Time Together Helps. A parent who comes home from deployment should do fun things with their child and family. Playing games, eating meals together, and talking help rebuild the bond.
- Talking and Listening Matter. Honest conversations help everyone feel understood. Parents should share their experiences and listen to their children’s feelings too.
- New Routines Make Things Easier. Having a daily schedule can help the family feel normal again. Simple routines like eating dinner together. Try reading before bed. It is a great way to end the night for children. You can try weekend outings. It can make a big difference.
- Getting Help When Needed. Talk to a counselor. Join a support group. These can help. Military families often have access to resources. It’s the kind of help that makes the transition smoother.
- Patience Is Important. Adjusting takes time. Parents and children may need a little extra understanding. They need to get used to being together again.
- Family Should Work as a Team. Everyone in the family should feel included. Make decisions together. Do activities as a group. It helps bring everyone closer.
Reconnecting after deployment takes time and effort. With love, patience, and support, families can grow even stronger. It’s not only a loving moment for the children. It is a way of reconnecting with ourselves.
Does Military Service Affect Custody?
Being in the military does not take custody away. What is best for the child is still the foundation for most court decisions. They see if the parents can take care of them. Serving in the military does not count against a parent. Yes, it will still affect custody.
Deployments Can Change Custody Plans. Military parents may need to leave for long periods. This can make it hard to follow regular custody schedules. The court may set up a temporary custody plan so the child has a stable home while the parent is away.
Laws Protect Military Parents. Some laws help service members in custody cases.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Military parents can ask the court for a stay. The court can pause a custody case while the military parent is on active duty. SCRA allows the courts to accommodate this.
- Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act (UDPCVA). Parents keep their custody rights during deployment. UDPCVA is the law that protects these rights. Michigan is one of ten states that adopted this law.
The Court Thinks About the Child’s Needs. Judges always look at what is best for the child. They try to keep the child’s life steady, even when a parent is in the military.
Custody Agreements Can Change. If a military parent has to move to a new place, the court may change the custody plan. The judge will decide based on what helps the child the most.
Military parents may face challenges in custody cases. The law helps protect their rights. Planning and staying connected can make things easier for the parent and the child.
What Laws Protect Deployed Parents?
Laws help keep things fair for deployed parents. The court cannot make big changes while they are away. When they return, they can ask for changes if needed. These laws protect their rights. Let’s dig deeper into two laws we just mentioned: SCRA and UDPCVA.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). SCRA gives active-duty military members extra protection. It allows them to focus on their job without worrying about money or legal problems. How does SCRA help?
- Court Cases. If a military member has to go to court but is busy with duty, they can ask to delay the case. This includes custody cases.
- Evictions. Landlords cannot evict a military family if their rent is below a certain amount. This helps families stay in their homes.
- Interest Rates. SCRA limits interest rates to 6% on loans taken before joining active duty. This helps military families save money.
- Foreclosures and Repossessions. Banks cannot take away a home or car from a military member without a court’s permission. This keeps families from losing important things while their loved ones are serving.
They need to show proof of active-duty status to get these benefits. They can talk to a military legal office if they need help. SCRA makes sure they don’t lose their homes, cars, or savings while their loved one is deployed. This law gives military families peace of mind. No more worries about legal or money problems while serving their country.
The Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act. The UDPCVA helps courts decide custody when a parent is deployed. It makes sure military service does not unfairly change a parent’s rights. How does the UDPCVA help?
- Telling the Other Parent. The parent who is leaving must let the other parent know about the deployment as soon as possible.
- Temporary Custody Plans. The court can set up a temporary plan so the child has a stable home while the parent is away.
- Fast Court Decisions. If needed, courts can speed up custody cases before the parent leaves.
- Protecting Custody Rights. A judge cannot change custody just because a parent is deployed.
- Helping Parents Return. The deployed parent comes back. The court follows steps to help them reconnect with their child.
Right now, ten states have put the UDPCVA into law. These states are: Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Other states are working on similar laws to help military parents and their families. Michigan follows the UDPCVA. Michigan courts use these rules to decide custody and visitation for deployed parents. These laws help military parents. It keeps their rights while also making sure the child has a steady and loving home.
How Can a Deployed Parent Stay in Touch?
A deployed parent can still talk to their child. They can use video calls, letters, or messages. The court may make sure this is part of the parenting plan. Stay in touch. Keeps the bond strong. A deployed parent may be far away. They can still be part of their child’s life. Staying in touch helps. It makes them feel close even when they can’t be together.
Talking Often
- Phone Calls. Hearing a parent’s voice can bring comfort.
- Video Calls. Seeing each other’s faces makes conversations more special.
- Voice Messages. A recorded message can be played anytime.
Sending Messages and Gifts
- Letters. A child can read them over and over.
- Drawings and Photos. Sharing pictures helps them feel connected.
- Care Packages. Sending favorite snacks or small gifts shows love.
Doing Activities Together
- Reading the Same Book. They can talk about the story later.
- Playing Online Games. Fun games help them bond.
- Watching the Same Movie. They can share their favorite parts.
Little moments matter. Stay connected, even in small ways. These moments help the child feel loved and remembered.
What Does the Other Parent Do During Deployment?
The parent at home has an important job. They should help the child stay close to the deployed parent. The court wants them to allow calls and messages. They should also keep the child updated. One parent is deployed. The other parent picks up the slack. They help the child feel safe and keep life normal.
Keeping Daily Life Steady
- Following a Routine. Eating meals at the same time and keeping bedtime regular helps the child feel secure.
- Giving Comfort. A child may feel sad or miss their parent. Hugs and kind words help them feel better.
- Talking About Deployment. Simply answering questions helps the child understand.
Helping the Child Stay Connected
- Sharing News. Sending pictures or short messages keeps the deployed parent involved.
- Encouraging Contact. Phone calls, letters, and video chats help the child feel close to their parent.
- Saving Special Moments. Keeping drawings or schoolwork gives the deployed parent something to enjoy later.
Taking Care of Home
- Doing Daily Tasks. They do the usual things. Pay bills. Shopping for food. Keeping the house clean.
- Making Big Choices. Handling doctor visits, school meetings, and other important needs.
- Creating a Happy Space. A calm and loving home helps the child feel safe.
The parent at home has an important job. Their love and care help the child feel happy and secure.
Where Can Military Parents Get Help?
Military parents have resilience because of their training. They don’t train to raise families. This is a sort of handicap for them. They get help for this somewhere else. Military parents can talk to family law attorneys. These lawyers know military custody rules. They help parents with parenting time plans. Good legal help keeps parenting rights safe. There are also other resources aside from legal professionals. Military parents have many places to get help. They can find support for parenting, counseling, and military life.
Military OneSource
- Free Support. Offers counseling, money advice, and education help.
- New Parent Help. Gives tips for caring for babies and young children. Some families get home visits for extra support.
Family Advocacy Program
- Counseling Services. Helps parents with stress and family changes.
- Help During Deployment. Advises parents and children when a family member is away.
Military and Family Support Centers
- Local Help. Offers support based on a family’s needs.
- Military Life Programs. Provides classes and events to help families adjust.
Online Resources
- Parenting Tips. Websites advise raising children of all ages.
- Thrive Online. A program with parenting lessons and support.
- Legal Help Online. Military legal websites have guides and forms. They help parents understand their rights.
Community Programs
- Boys and Girls Clubs. Offers fun activities and safe places for children.
- Sesame Street for Military Families. Shares videos and activities to help children understand military life.
- Veterans Affairs (VA). VA offices help military families with legal aid and family counseling.
- Support Groups. Many groups offer advice and encouragement for military parents.
Military parents do not have to go through challenges alone. Many programs offer help, support, and useful tools for families. Love binds. Love conquers. Love makes it all worthwhile. A military parent has the same parenting challenges as a civilian. They manifest love like any parent. The constant separation must drive one to seek help. There are ways to build resilience. The military has family care plans. They can muster community support. The military organization itself has a structure in place to aid military parents. It’s best to use them to help with the pains of parenting.
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