Former military spouses can get enforcement help with court-ordered current alimony, current child support and child support arrears. A former spouse can also use an "income withholding order" for current and overdue child support and alimony.

In a divorce proceeding, federal law allows State courts to divide military retired pay as a "marital asset" or as "community property." And in some cases, the Department of Defense can make direct payments to a former spouse from the member’s retired pay.

The rules on the Defense Finance and Accounting Service website are not well written. A legal advocate can help you understand. 

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Last Reviewed: April 27, 2023