Here's an excerpt from a Fort Hood Sentinel article that I refer Soldiers to frequently:
"Army Regulation 608-99 (Family Support, Child Custody and Paternity) sets the Army’s policy on responsibilities and procedures for financial support.
The regulation also includes regulatory standards relating to child custody, visitation matters, paternity cases and compliance with court orders, as required by law to Family members of Soldiers. AR 608-99 ensures a Soldier’s Family receives proper care and financial support as required.
For example, if a Soldier is separated from his or her spouse, the full amount of Basic Allowance for Housing Type II would be paid to the spouse and children. Keep in mind that each situation can vary. Therefore, consult with the servicing staff judge advocate or inspector general for assistance for a particular situation.
The Army recognizes the transient nature of military duty. However, AR 608-99 prohibits the use of a Soldier’s military status or assignment as reason or cause to deny financial support to Family members.
Soldiers must continue to support Family members as long as there is a legal obligation by marriage or custody and until there is a valid court order, written agreement, or proper relief from the chain of command as outlined in the regulation.
Let’s look at a hypothetical scenario; Staff Sgt. John Doe and his wife, Jane, were separated in October 2008.
The next month Jane calls the Inspector General Office and requests assistance, reporting that the Soldier is not providing any financial support to his Family. The IG will then notify the Soldier’s commander to ensure AR 608-99 is properly applied. In this simple case, the Soldier pays the required BAH II rate of $872.10 – the 2009 BAH II rate for a staff sergeant in support of his Family.
Until a divorce decree terminating the marriage is provided, the Soldier is required to provide continuous financial support to his dependents. The Soldier and his wife have two children and the children reside with their mother. (emphasis added)"
Separated spouses entitled to financial support from Soldier - News - Fort Hood Sentinel