Marine Granted Primary Custody After Learning of Ex-Spouse’s Child Abuse

A Marine was struggling to make spousal and child support payments after returning from his second tour in Iraq. He needed to modify the amounts as ordered in his divorce decree to avoid facing punishment from the military and potentially jeopardizing his military retirement. He also wanted to spend more time with his children and needed to modify the custody agreement to do so. He visited his military legal assistance office for help. His JAG attorney referred his case to the ABA Military Pro Bono Project and he was paired with an experienced family law attorney.

The attorney worked to have the Marine’s child support payments eliminated. His spousal support was reduced to an affordable rate, as well. The Marine also learned that his wife was abusing his children, and the pro bono attorney was able to have the custody order modified to give the Marine primary custody of his children for their safety.