Child Custody and Female Soldiers—Deployment Being Used Against Military Mothers

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana. Women who are deployed overseas can face losing custody of their children while they are away. According to Oprah.com women with sole custody of their children who leave their children in the care of the father while they are deployed face the risk that the fathers will file petitions to seek custody of the children. In fact, judges, in some cases, may rule in favor of the father, especially if the child had been in the care of the father. In some cases, judges make these decisions before women can make it home to make their case for custody.

Military women who lose their children while they are deployed feel like they are being unfairly penalized for serving their country. In some cases, the only way to get out of a deployment is to be dishonorably discharged. More alarming, according to the Washington Post, when women seek help from the military, they seldom receive the help they need to keep custody of their children. In some cases, judges have even gone as far as to say that the military lifestyle doesn’t promote the best interests of the children, resulting in mothers losing custody.

The reality is that in any case where you face losing custody of your children, much is at stake. For the sake of your family and future, it is wise to speak to a child custody lawyer in Alexandria, Louisiana. Visit the website of the Jones Law Firm at www.hdjoneslaw.com  to learn more about your rights.

While the law protects women’s jobs if they are deployed, it doesn’t always protect their custody of their children if they are divorced and deployed. While many states have changed their laws, some women who are actively going through divorce while they are deployed have no choice but to give their husbands custody and then fight the order when they return. In fact, more child custody lawyers are seeing cases where individuals are seeking custody when they return from deployment.

Additionally, while women can take emergency leave due to divorce or a custody battle, some commanders may not see a custody battle as sufficient cause to warrant emergency leave. The reality is that mothers may have to let a judge decide the case without them present, or fight the case when they return. It is important to understand the laws of the state where custody is being sought. In some states, custody changes are not permitted while a person is deployed. In other instances, deployment shouldn’t be used in child custody decisions.

Deployment can also require temporary child custody changes or arrangements. One need not be in the military to require temporary child custody arrangements. For instance, if you travel for work, or if you plan to be out of the country, you may need to make temporary child custody arrangements for when you’re away. If you’re facing a child custody battle, it is a good idea to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. The Jones Law Firm in Alexandria, Louisiana can review the facts of your case and offer advice about how to proceed.