What is the 10-10-10 rule in the military?
Asked by: Obie Parisian | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)
In military divorce, the 10/10 Rule means a former spouse can get direct payments from the military retirement system only if they were married for at least 10 years, and the service member performed at least 10 years of creditable military service during that overlapping period. Meeting this rule allows the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to pay the former spouse directly from the retirement pay, simplifying collection; otherwise, the service member must pay the ex-spouse directly, as outlined in Military OneSource, FindLaw, and Divorce Lawyers for Military https://divorce.lawyers/military-divorce/10-10-rule-explained/.
What is the 1010 rule for the military?
In addition, for orders dividing retired pay as property to be enforced under the USFSPA, a member and former spouse must have been married to each other for 10 years or more during which the member performed at least 10 years of military service creditable towards retirement eligibility (the 10/10 rule).
What does 10:10 mean in the military?
Lawyer: Here's what you need to know… The pension division in your case can't be implemented by the retired pay center[1] unless you meet the 10/10 rule. Jake: What's that? Lawyer: The 10/10 rule means at least 10 years of marriage during at least 10 years of military service creditable toward retirement eligibility.
What is the 20/20/15 rule in the military?
20/20/15 Rule
If the marriage lasted 20 years and the service member served 20 credible years in the military but only 15 years overlap between the two, the former spouse is eligible for one year of health benefits as long as s/he does not remarry and does not have employer-sponsored health insurance.
What is the 20/20/20 rule in the military?
Scenario 1: The 20-20-20 Rule
20: You were married to the same sponsor or service member for at least 20 years. 20: All 20 years of marriage overlap the 20 years of creditable (active or reserve) service that counted toward your sponsor's retirement.
What Is The 10/10 Rule In Military Pension Division? - Get Divorce Answers
Does my ex-wife still get half of my military retirement if she remarries?
Unless court ordered, remarriage of a former spouse will not stop the direct payment of retired pay as property.
Who loses more financially in a divorce?
Statistically, women generally lose more financially in a divorce, experiencing sharper drops in household income, higher poverty risk, and increased struggles with housing and childcare, often due to historical gender pay gaps and taking on more childcare roles; however, the financially dependent spouse (often the lower-earning partner) bears the biggest burden, regardless of gender, facing challenges rebuilding independence after career breaks, while men also see a significant drop in living standards, but usually recover better.
How much is E7 retirement pay for 20 years?
An E-7 with 20 years typically receives about 50% of their highest 36 months of basic pay (High-3 plan), which translates to roughly $2,800 - $3,000+ monthly, depending on their exact pay grade and time in service, but this can vary greatly with pay raises and specific circumstances, so using official calculators is best.
Will my ex-wife get half of my pension?
Ask the court to finalise the agreement or decide for you
If you cannot agree, or it's not safe for you to deal with your ex-partner directly, you can ask a court to decide how your pensions should be split. The court will usually review your finances and tell you what they believe is fair.
What is the 10 10 rule for TRICARE?
The TRICARE 10/10 rule isn't about TRICARE eligibility but determines if a former spouse gets direct pension payments from DFAS after a military divorce: it requires at least 10 years of marriage overlapping 10 years of military service, allowing direct payments; if not met, the military member pays the former spouse directly, though a court can still order division. This rule ensures payment processing, while the 20/20/20 rule (20 years marriage, 20 years service, 20 years overlap) is for TRICARE eligibility.
Can my spouse take my VA disability in a divorce?
No. Federal law – specifically, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act, found at 10 U.S.C. §1408 – exempts VA disability payments from division upon divorce. It is not an asset which can be divided at divorce as marital or community property.
What does 10/9 mean in the military?
10-8 = In service, subject to call. 10-9 = Repeat message. 10-10 = Transmission completed, standing by. 10-11 = Talking too rapidly.
What's 1010 in military time?
10:10 a.m. in military format is 1010. The military format, similar to the 24-hour format, represents time as a continuous sequence from 0000 (midnight) to 2359, eliminating the need for AM/PM.
Does my wife get half my retirement in a divorce?
Within California, assets accrued during a marriage's lifetime are split 50/50. This includes retirement funds, such as a 401(k).
What is the military rule 44?
Rule 44. Methods and means of warfare must be employed with due regard to the protection and preservation of the natural environment. In the conduct of military operations, all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid, and in any event to minimize, incidental damage to the environment.
What is the military rule 503?
(MRE 503(a) expressly recognizes a clergy privilege and provides that a person has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent another from disclosing a confidential communication by the person to a clergyman or to a clergyman's assistant, if such communication is made either as a formal act of religion or as a ...
What money can't be touched in a divorce?
Money that can't be touched in a divorce is typically separate property, including assets owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts, but it must be kept separate from marital funds to avoid becoming divisible; commingling (mixing) these funds with joint accounts, or using inheritance to pay marital debt, can make them vulnerable to division. Prenuptial agreements or clear documentation are key to protecting these untouchable assets, as courts generally divide marital property acquired during the marriage.
What is the remarriage trap?
If you remarry before you have secured a court-approved financial settlement, or at least issued a financial application, you may unwittingly shut the door on important claims that could otherwise have provided long-term security. This is what lawyers refer to as the “remarriage trap.”
What is the biggest mistake during a divorce?
The biggest mistake during a divorce often involves letting emotions drive decisions, leading to poor financial choices, using children as weapons, failing to plan for the future, or getting bogged down in petty fights that escalate costs and conflict, ultimately hurting all parties involved, especially the kids. Key errors include not getting legal/financial advice, fighting over small assets, exaggerating claims, and neglecting your own well-being.
Is $5000 a month a good pension?
Yes, $5,000 a month ($60,000/year) is generally considered a good to very good retirement income, often enough for a comfortable lifestyle in many areas, aligning with average spending and meeting the 70-80% income replacement goal for many, though it depends heavily on location (cost of living), debt (mortgage), and healthcare costs. It covers average retiree spending but high-cost-of-living areas or extensive travel might require more, while a paid-off home and low expenses can make it very comfortable.
Can you collect social security and military retirement?
You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement benefits. Generally, there is no reduction of Social Security benefits because of your military retirement benefits. You'll get your Social Security benefit based on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits.
How long will $750,000 last in retirement at 62?
With $750,000 at age 62, your money could last anywhere from 15 to over 30 years, depending heavily on your withdrawal rate, investment returns, and if you have other income like Social Security, with the 4% rule suggesting around 25 years (about $30k/year) and lower withdrawals stretching it further. A lower cost of living or smaller spending also significantly increases the duration.
What are the 3 C's of divorce?
The "3 Cs of Divorce" generally refer to Communication, Cooperation, and Compromise, principles that help divorcing couples, especially those with children, navigate the process more smoothly by focusing on respectful dialogue, working together for shared goals (like children's welfare), and making concessions for equitable outcomes, reducing conflict and costs. Some variations substitute Custody or Civility for one of the Cs, emphasizing child-focused decisions or maintaining politeness.
What is the #1 thing that destroys marriages?
While different sources highlight various factors, many experts point to breakdown in communication, leading to contempt, disrespect, and lack of commitment, as the most destructive forces in a marriage, often manifesting as emotional distance, frequent criticism, and a feeling of being unheard or unloved. These issues erode trust and intimacy over time, with infidelity and power imbalances being extreme examples of these underlying problems.
What not to do during separation?
When separated, you should not rush big decisions, badmouth your spouse (especially to kids or on social media), involve children in the conflict, move out of the family home without cause, make financial promises without legal advice, or let emotions dictate impulsive actions like excessive spending or dating too soon, focusing instead on maintaining civility and protecting finances and children.