THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 1996 TAG: 9602140403
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MELISSA GUNDEL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Can the Department of Defense Finance Center, Retired Pay Division, take from a retired military member's pay court-ordered spousal support and directly remit it to the former spouse in the same check or direct deposit as the court-ordered former-spouse's share of the retired pay?
Yes, according to the Former Spouses' Protection Act, this can be done. What this act does is recognize the right of state courts to distribute military retirement or retainer pay to a spouse or former spouse and provides a method for enforcement of these orders through the appropriate military agency. This act also states that it is limited to those cases where the parties were married to each other for at least 10 years during which the member performed at least 10 years of creditable military service. The total amount payable cannot exceed 50 percent of pay.
To apply for direct payments. 1). A copy of the final court order must be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the Director of Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Cleveland Center, Code DG, 1240 East Ninth St., Cleveland, Ohio 44199-2055; 2) The member should be identified by full name and Social Security number; 3) the full name, address and Social Security number of the former spouse applying for direct payment must be provided; 4) the order must specifically provide for payment of an amount expressed in dollars or as a percentage or fraction of disposable retired or retainer pay; 5) a statement must be provided that the court order has not been amended, superseded or set aside. For more information, call the Navy Finance Center at 1(800)321-1080.
What is meant by Selected Reservist?
A Selected Reservist falls in the Ready Reserve category. He or she must spend a minimum of one weekend each month and a two-week period each year practicing military skills. They are paid and earn retirement credits for drill time. Many Selected Reservists spend more than the minimum time required each year. Also, members of the Selected Reserve are the most likely to be recalled to active duty. Even for as long as 270 days.
Can Survivor Benefit Plan premiums be lowered?
Yes. At the time of retirement, the service member has the option of continuing in the plan - reducing it to a lower amount or not participating. The retired service member and the spouse must agree in writing either to drop the amount or not participate. If this isn't done or the couple disagrees, the retiree is automatically enrolled for the maximum coverage. by CNB