Volunteer Attorney Protects Sailor’s Disability Pay and Parental Rights in Divorce Settlement

A Navy servicemember returned home from an extended deployment and struggled to adjust to life at home with his family. Shortly after his return, he was diagnosed with cancer. He became depressed and his wife filed for divorce. Overwhelmed, he sought assistance from a military legal assistance attorney. His case was referred to the ABA Military Pro Bono Project and he was matched with a pro bono attorney.

Despite complexities that arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteer attorney successfully negotiated with the wife’s attorney and the parties agreed on a parenting agreement, as well as a financial settlement agreement to protect the sailor’s disability pay.