Jurisdiction

[usmchusband]

What is the name of your state? South Carolina (FL resident, stationed overseas)

I am currently stationed overseas and am contemplating divorce after my wife declined to come with me to this duty station. She has also declined to go with me to my next duty station (where that will be is unknown at this point) as well. The marriage has a history of infidelity (not me) and alcohol abuse (not me), and has been difficult for years. She has not had a drop of alcohol in 2+ years. It has been a year since I went to my current duty station.

I would like to maintain an amicable relationship, but that is becoming increasingly unlikely. I do not want to bring up the above issues in the proceedings, and simply want to do what is best for our children. In no way do I want to give up my role as a father. All I really want to do is have joint custody and maintain sole ownership of my pension.

What state has jurisdiction over this case? Should I use a military jawyer, or should I go the civilian route? I just want this to be over with.

[SHORTY LONG]

Contact your Base Legal Services/JAG as soon as possible! It is on them to help
you sort through all the muck including the proper jurisdiction to file for Divorce
because you are not Stateside etc.

[jstlivin]

Originally Posted by usmchusband

What is the name of your state? South Carolina (FL resident, stationed overseas)

I am currently stationed overseas and am contemplating divorce after my wife declined to come with me to this duty station. She has also declined to go with me to my next duty station (where that will be is unknown at this point) as well. The marriage has a history of infidelity (not me) and alcohol abuse (not me), and has been difficult for years. She has not had a drop of alcohol in 2+ years. I do not want to bring up the above issues in the proceedings, and simply want to do what is best for our children. .

So how long has it been since you have seen the children? If there is a real issue currently then bringing it up at court would be best for the children to help resolve any neglect or abuse that you are concerned about. Other wise it really would not have much merrit.

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

What is your home of record?

[usmchusband]

Thank you all for your replies.

Since my original post, things have taken a turn for the worse. I have noticed that thousands of dollars are missing from my account. The wife refuses to tell me where it is.

It has now been a year since I left my house due to PCS. From what I've read on SC law, it appears that this period may constitute grounds for divorce. I don't want to bring up the infidelity or alcohol during the process. What can I do to get this over with as soon as I can?

Since I told my wife I wanted a divorce, she has reversed her position and is claiming that she didn't mean what she said about not moving with me and that she loves me. She has also stated that she wished that she never had children with me, that I am a coward and a quitter, has accused me of infidelity (not true), threatened to call my Commanding Officer, etc.

My hopes of maintaining an amicable divorce are pretty much dashed at this point. I'm not sure what to do.