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Military Divorce Lawyer in Nassau County
Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group — Strategic Family Law Representation for Military Families on Long IslandMilitary divorce is not like any other divorce. When federal law, military benefits, and New York family law all intersect, you need an attorney who understands every layer. Call 516-324-2099 or request a consultation today.
Licensed Nassau County Family Law Attorneys | Woodbury & Garden City, NY | Decades of Combined Experience | Trustindex Verified Reviews
When Your Divorce Involves a Military Career, the Stakes Are Different
Active duty members, veterans, and their spouses face legal challenges that civilian divorces simply do not. Deployment schedules complicate custody arrangements. Military retirement pay, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) all require precise handling under federal law. An error in your Judgment of Divorce can cost you benefits you earned over an entire career.
At Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group, our family law attorneys have guided Nassau County military families through every stage of this process — from filing in Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola to securing enforceable pension division orders that comply with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) requirements.
What a Military Divorce in Nassau County Involves
Military divorce is governed by both New York State law and key federal statutes. Understanding them is essential to protecting your financial future.
- SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act): Protects active duty service members from default judgments and can delay proceedings during deployment
- USFSPA (Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act): Allows New York courts to divide military retired pay as marital property
- The 10/10 Rule: DFAS will only make direct pension payments to a former spouse if the marriage and qualifying military service each lasted at least 10 overlapping years
- The 20/20/20 Rule: Former spouses married 20 years, with 20 years of service and 20 years of overlap, qualify for full TRICARE benefits
- BAH and BAS: These allowances are included as income when calculating child support and spousal maintenance under New York guidelines
- Equitable Distribution: New York divides marital property fairly — not automatically 50/50 — meaning how pension years are framed matters enormously
Our attorneys also address deployment-based custody planning, parenting agreements that account for permanent change of station (PCS) orders, and modifications when circumstances change after service.
Why Nassau County Military Families Choose Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group
- Decades of family law experience serving Long Island and Nassau County
- Deep familiarity with Nassau County Supreme Court procedures and local judicial expectations
- Attorneys recognized as zealous, creative advocates by fellow members of the legal community
- A full-service family law team handling custody, pension division, support, and mediation — all under one roof
- Clients have described the firm's attorneys as "phenomenal from start to finish" and "exceedingly able, professional, and warm"
- Multiple professional recognition awards displayed across the firm's platform
Clients throughout Garden City, Hempstead, Valley Stream, Great Neck, and communities across Nassau County have trusted this firm during the most difficult transitions of their lives.
What Clients Say
"From the first time I spoke to Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group, I knew I had the best team for my child custody battle ahead. Jill Stone was simply phenomenal from start to finish. The whole legal team was responsive, professional and empathic throughout all my court needs."
— Janai, Verified Client
"I cannot express the comfort I felt having Jill handling these issues on my behalf. An exceedingly able, professional, and warm person, I would recommend her to a friend or family member in a heartbeat."
— Verified Client
How the Process Works
- Call or contact us at 516-324-2099 or through our contact page
- Schedule your consultation to review the unique military and family law factors in your case
- Receive a clear legal strategy addressing jurisdiction, pension rights, custody, and support
- Your attorney advocates on your behalf through negotiation or litigation in Nassau County Supreme Court
- Final divorce decree issued with enforceable, DFAS-compliant terms protecting your future
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Nassau County court divide my military pension?
Yes. Under USFSPA, New York courts can treat military retired pay as marital property and divide it equitably. Nassau County Supreme Court handles these matters, and the order must comply with DFAS requirements for enforcement.
Does deployment affect my divorce filing?
Yes. The SCRA may allow an active duty service member to request a stay of proceedings during deployment. You cannot simply receive a default judgment against a deployed spouse without SCRA compliance.
Is BAH counted as income for child support in New York?
Yes. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) are included in income calculations for child support and spousal maintenance purposes under New York law, even though they are non-taxable.
What is the 10/10 rule?
If your marriage and your spouse's qualifying military service each lasted at least 10 overlapping years, DFAS can make direct pension payments to the former spouse. Otherwise, the service member pays the former spouse directly.
How is child custody handled when a parent is deployed?
Nassau County courts prioritize the child's best interests while accounting for military realities. Parenting plans should address deployment periods, communication schedules, and delegated care arrangements in advance.
What happens to a TSP in a military divorce?
A Thrift Savings Plan is considered a marital asset subject to equitable distribution. A court order similar to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order is required to divide it properly.
Serving Nassau County Military Families — From Garden City to Jones Beach
Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group serves clients throughout Nassau County, including Garden City, Mineola, Levittown, Hempstead, Great Neck, Valley Stream, and surrounding Long Island communities. Whether you are stationed nearby, recently returned from deployment, or a former military spouse protecting your financial rights, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in Nassau County Supreme Court and beyond.
Ready to Speak with a Military Divorce Lawyer in Nassau County?
Your military service — and your family's future — deserves focused, informed legal representation. Contact Stone Studin Young & Nigro Law Group today to schedule your consultation. Call 516-324-2099 or visit our contact page to get started. Our team will review your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with confidence.
Related Practice Areas:
- Divorce and Equitable Distribution
- Divorce Involving Pensions
- Child Custody & Modifications
- Child Support & Modifications
- Alimony / Maintenance
- Separation Agreements
- Divorce & Family Law Overview