Military divorce can be different as well as difficult process in comparison with general civilian divorce. However, for military members and their spouses, it can become even more complicated. Military pensions like their civilian counterparts are divisible in the event of divorce, but are subject to different rules than the more common Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for private retirement accounts or Domestic Relations Orders for state and municipal pensions. Military divorces can differ from standard family law cases when it comes to domicile or residence requirements for filing, obtaining service upon an active duty spouse, compliance with military rules and regulations, and the division of the military pension, often the communities’ largest asset.

Military couples will also go through the same procedural process when divorcing. But they must also be aware that there are other factors that the typical civilian couple will not have to address, and which may extend the process because of the very nature of one of the party's military service, such as an active duty assignment in a remote area, or a permanent station overseas. The facts & figures show that the military divorce rate continues to climb slightly over previous years, according to Department of Defense statistics. The overall divorce rate for military personnel during fiscal year 2008 was 3.4 percent, compared to 3.3 percent in 2007 and 2006.