I got divorced five years ago and my ex took half of my federal (military) retirement. Is she really entitled to that?

Answer:

Yeah, your ex can legally get a share of your military retirement if the divorce court awarded it—thanks to the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). It’s not automatically 50/50; the judge decides based on your state’s laws and your divorce agreement. If you were married to her for at least 10 years overlapping with your service, DFAS will pay her directly. Even if not, the court can order you to pay her a portion yourself. Bottom line: if the court said she gets a cut, that’s how it goes—neither VA nor DFAS can override it. If you think it’s unfair, you’ll need a lawyer with military divorce experience. This isn’t legal advice, just the straight scoop from one vet to another.

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