Frequently asked questions.

The Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) allows state courts to treat military disposable retired pay as either separate or community property, depending on the laws of the state with jurisdiction over the divorce. The division is governed by the divorce decree and implemented through a Court Order Acceptable for Processing (COAP) submitted to DFAS. There are two primary methods of division: a percentage award (a fixed percentage of disposable retired pay) or a formula award (a fraction based on the years of marriage overlapping military service divided by total years of service). The method you choose has long-term implications for both parties, including how cost-of-living adjustments affect the payments. We help you understand the valuation, the division method, and the long-term financial impact so the settlement reflects the true value of this significant asset.