Military & Government Specialist
Military retirement, federal pensions, real estate — Maryland's equitable distribution requires expertise. This guide shows you exactly what you're entitled to.
Leanne Ozaine, CDFA® | Specializing in military and gray divorce
Before You Agree to Anything — $97Military pensions. FERS or CSRS retirement. Thrift Savings Plans. Survivor Benefit Plans. TRICARE eligibility. Naval Academy benefits.
Your spouse knows exactly what these are worth and how they work. They've been reading those LES statements and retirement projections for decades. You're seeing this complexity for the first time — while negotiating a settlement that determines what you'll live on for the next 30 years.
The spouse who understands military and federal benefits has every advantage in divorce. The 10/10 rule. The coverture fraction. The SBP election deadline. Miss any of these, and you could lose thousands in monthly income — permanently.
Women over 50 face a 45% drop in standard of living after divorce. Military divorces are even more complex — with benefits that require precise timing and specific legal language to protect. You don't get a second chance to divide a military pension correctly.
You don't need to become a military benefits expert overnight. You need someone in your corner who already is one — someone who can decode the retirement statements, calculate the marital share, and make sure you don't lose benefits you're legally entitled to.
In a divorce, dividing assets is only step one. This helps you understand how those assets will actually support your life.
Calculate your real post-divorce income — including military pension share, federal retirement, and TSP division — so you negotiate from facts, not fear.
Document gathering checklists tell you exactly what to bring to your attorney — LES statements, retirement projections, SBP elections — so you walk in prepared, not panicked.
Map out your real expenses as a single person — before you fight for property you can't actually maintain on your share of retirement income.
The asset identification system helps you find military and federal benefits, survivor benefit options, and TRICARE eligibility rules that could be worth thousands annually.
22-page guide + video tutorials + checklists + templates
$97
Instant access. 100% money-back guarantee.
Slow This Down Before It's Final — $97Q: How is Annapolis waterfront property divided in Maryland divorce?
Annapolis waterfront is premium Maryland real estate: Severn River $1M-$3M+, South River $800K-$2M+, historic Annapolis $600K-$1.5M+. Under Maryland equitable distribution, waterfront property purchased during marriage is divided fairly based on multiple factors. For 30-year marriages, courts typically award near-equal division, but waterfront requires complex valuation (dockage rights, bulkhead condition, water access). At 60+, dividing $1.5M Severn River waterfront means each spouse receives ~$750K equity, but replacing waterfront solo is nearly impossible without substantial additional wealth.
Q: How are military pensions divided for Naval Academy graduates?
Anne Arundel County hosts Naval Academy and active-duty/retired military families. Under Maryland equitable distribution and federal Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act, military pensions earned during marriage are divided fairly. For 20-30 year Navy careers, military pensions worth $3K-$6K monthly ($36K-$72K annually) represent major retirement security. The "10/10 rule" allows direct DFAS payment if marriage overlapped 10+ years of service. At 60+, dividing military pensions preserves both spouses' income but reduces individual retirement security.
Q: Can I afford Annapolis after divorce at 60+?
Annapolis is expensive: waterfront $800K-$3M+, historic downtown $500K-$1M+, non-waterfront $400K-$600K. Annual costs: property taxes ($8K-$20K+ Maryland rates), waterfront maintenance ($10K-$20K bulkhead/dock), insurance ($3K-$5K), utilities ($5K-$6K) = $60K-$100K+/year for waterfront. At 60+ on retirement income, solo Annapolis waterfront is nearly impossible. Most sell waterfront and relocate to non-waterfront Annapolis ($400K-$600K) or leave Maryland entirely.
Q: Should I keep the sailing lifestyle in Annapolis after divorce at 60+?
Annapolis offers America's premier sailing culture: Chesapeake Bay access, Wednesday night races, boating community, maritime heritage. At 60+, this lifestyle has emotional value—social networks built around sailing, waterfront living, maritime culture. However, waterfront costs are brutal: $60K-$100K+ annually plus boat ownership/slip fees. Maryland taxes add 7-9%. Consider: can you afford Annapolis sailing lifestyle solo on retirement income, or does relocating to North Carolina/Florida waterfront communities preserve financial security while maintaining boating lifestyle at 50% lower cost?
If you're over 50 and facing divorce in Anne Arundel County, custody battles aren't your concern—your children are grown. Instead, you're dividing Annapolis waterfront property, sailing culture assets, military pensions, and retirement accounts under Maryland's equitable distribution.
Anne Arundel County features Maryland's capital (Annapolis), Naval Academy, and Chesapeake Bay sailing culture.
Annapolis waterfront property is premium:
Naval Academy creates military presence:
Can you afford Anne Arundel solo? Waterfront properties $1M-$3M+ often must be sold. Inland Annapolis $600K+ is manageable for some with pensions.
Whether you're dividing a military pension, federal retirement, or Annapolis waterfront, you need someone focused on your financial future — not billable hours.
Before You Agree to Anything — $97Slow This Down →