In many ways getting married while in the military is the same as getting married as a civilian. However, in many ways it is also very different. Here is what you need to know about getting married in the military.
Military members who are stationed in the United States do not need any advanced permission or special paperwork filled out prior to getting married. Instead, the state laws in which the marriage is occurring reign.
However, if you are overseas and are getting married to a foreign national, things are different. When this is the case there are many forms that are needed. Additionally, you must receive counseling as well as permission from your commander. Furthermore, your spouse is obligated to undergo a medical examination and a security background check and the marriage must also be recognized by the U.S. embassy. Therefore the process of marrying a foreign national overseas can take several months to be approved.
Is Your Spouse in the Military?
If the spouse that you marry is not in the military, the military member can receive a dependent ID card for the spouse to enroll in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) in order to be eligible for commissary and Base Exchange privileges, medical coverage, and other military benefits. In order to do so, you must bring a copy of the certified marriage certificate to the Personnel Headquarters.
When you get married also impacts your rights and privileges. If you have orders and get married before you make a move to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), your spouse and his or her property can be relocated at the expense of the military. However, if you report to your new assignment prior to marrying, you will be responsible for paying for the expenses associated with the relocation.
Can Married Military Couples Request Being Stationed Together?
When two military members marry, they may wish to be stationed together. Each branch of the military has a program called “Join-Spouse.” The military does its best under this program to station spouses together or no more than 100 miles from each other. Unfortunately though, there is no guarantee that this will be granted. Job positions must still be available in order for this to be possible.
This is even more difficult to make a reality when the spouses are in two different branches of the military although an effort is still made.
The Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC Helps Military Members in Colorado Who Are Looking to Marry
When you plan to marry someone, you want to be as close to that person as possible. However, this doesn’t always occur. Knowing how to apply for a marriage as well as for the Join-Spouse program can make a big difference. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced military attorney as soon as possible.
If you are a military service member (active or reserve) and have questions regarding a military marriage, the Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC can help. We proudly serve our military members, who sacrifice so much for our country. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
