Military Divorce Attorney in Frisco
A West Point Graduate Serving Frisco Military Families Since 2007
Founding attorney John Haugen is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Captain. That background shapes how we approach every military divorce case: with a clear understanding of how service obligations affect family life and what military families stand to lose when a divorce isn’t handled carefully. Since 2007, Haugen Law Firm, P.C. has represented individuals and families throughout Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties.
If you’re facing a military divorce in the Frisco area, we’re ready to help you work through the jurisdictional, financial, and logistical questions that make these cases different. Call us at (972) 460-6798 to schedule a consultation.
Where Frisco Military Divorce Cases Are Filed
Frisco sits primarily in Collin County, with a smaller western portion extending into Denton County. For most Frisco residents, a divorce case is filed with the Collin County District Clerk and heard at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building in McKinney. Confirming which county court has authority before you file can save time and avoid procedural complications.
Texas generally requires a person to have been domiciled in the state for six months and a resident of the filing county for 90 days before a divorce can proceed. For service members, these rules work differently. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.303, time spent outside the state or county on active duty still counts as Texas residence. Under Section 6.304, a service member stationed at a Texas military installation for at least six months and in a county for at least 90 days can qualify as a Texas resident for divorce purposes, even without prior Texas residency. We confirm which rule applies before a single document is filed.
Dividing Military Retirement Pay & Benefits in Texas
Military retirement, Thrift Savings Plan accounts, and related benefits are often treated as marital property subject to division in a Texas divorce. The outcome depends on factors including the length of service, how long the marriage overlapped with that service, and the structure of the retirement. We review a client’s military service and retirement records and explain how the law addresses these assets in their specific situation.
Three federal frameworks shape how these divisions work in practice:
- Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA): Federal law that allows disposable military retired pay to be treated as marital property subject to division under state divorce law.
- The 10/10 rule: Determines whether the Defense Finance and Accounting Service can pay a former spouse’s share of retirement directly, rather than routing it through the service member.
- The 20/20/20 rule: Governs whether a former spouse remains eligible for benefits such as TRICARE health coverage after divorce, based on the length of the marriage, the length of service, and how much they overlapped.
Deployment, PCS Moves, & Court Deadlines
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active duty members from being penalized when deployment makes it impossible to appear in court. A service member deployed overseas can’t face a default judgment simply because they couldn’t show up. Some court deadlines may also be affected by these federal protections depending on the circumstances of a given case.
Deployments and permanent change of station moves can raise distinct child custody and visitation scheduling questions that a standard parenting plan won’t address. We coordinate case planning around a client’s deployment schedule and stay in contact by phone, secure email, and video when needed. Case work can continue while you’re away.
How We Handle Frisco Military Divorce Cases
No two military divorces involve the same combination of assets, custody concerns, and timing pressures. We build a legal strategy around each client’s actual circumstances rather than applying a fixed formula. When the facts support a negotiated resolution, we work toward one. When a case requires courtroom advocacy, we’re prepared for that too.
Schedule a Military Divorce Consultation
We offer remote consultations for clients throughout the Frisco area, so geography and busy schedules don’t stand between you and sound legal guidance. Active duty military members receive a 20% discount on legal fees, and retired or veteran military members receive a 10% discount. During the consultation, we can walk through the likely cost drivers for your case based on how contested the issues are and how much court involvement may be required.
To schedule your consultation with Haugen Law Firm, P.C., call (972) 460-6798.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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"I cannot thank them enough for all their support and patience with me during the process with all of my questions and walking me through the long process."I researched and wanted a lawyer familiar with military families and the Haugen Law Firm was it! I had so many different factors in my divorce and child custody, and you truly get what you pay for. I am so thankful to have found them and for all the guidance and help through the process. I cannot recommend Connor and Delaney more! This is already a stressful situation and to be able to have a team to help me better understand the ins and outs of the legal tidbits and process helped. It was well worth the cost and even though it feels expensive I know without a doubt that my divorce and custody was done right, and the paperwork shows it. They helped me think of things a regular divorce lawyer wouldn't know due to being a military family. If I need legal help again, I will be coming back for sure! I cannot thank them enough for all their support and patience with me during the process with all of my questions and walking me through the long process.
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"I highly recommend Conner for any legalities you may be facing. Worth. Every. Penny!"I have nothing but good things to say about Conner & his staff. Everyone has been so polite & timely through this 6 month process. Conner has superseded what I thought was going to be the end of the world. I highly recommend Conner for any legalities you may be facing. Worth. Every. Penny!
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"Connor was excellent in handling my case."Connor was excellent in handling my case. His knowledge and professionalism was outstanding. The Haugen Law office was incredibly friendly and professional. What a wonderful team to work with! I highly recommend them if you are looking for high quality lawyers.
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"Assured That I Am In Good Hands"I had no idea how this all would work. But, no matter how small and confusing my questions were they were all treated with importance and taken seriously. I was never pushed, but was always assured that I am in good hands. I was able to trust John, which is rare. I have no second thoughts about having him as my lawyer or recommending him to my loved ones.
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"Made Me Comfortable In All My Needs"Aimee answered all my questions and she made me feel comfortable in all my needs. I would use the Haugen Law Firm for all my probate needs and would give my highest recommendation.
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"Conner was exceptional with my situation and recommend him for anything that needs special attention."The Haugen Law Firm was very professional with handling my case. Conner was exceptional with my situation and recommend him for anything that needs special attention. Always available. I will be a life long client. Thank you Conner and the team at Haugen Law Firm.
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"Working with this firm was seamless, efficient, and super-friendly."Working with this firm was seamless, efficient, and super-friendly. Wills and trusts were new to us, and we walked away from the experience with everything we needed as well as a much more thorough understanding of the details behind them. As an added bonus they were part of my company's legal benefits network. I would highly recommend this firm for your needs.
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"I have only positive things to say about my experience with Haugen Law Firm."I have only positive things to say about my experience with Haugen Law Firm. Conner and his team provided me excellence legal counsel with clear communication and prompt responses. He lead with a high degree of professionalism and competency. Above all, he showed high levels of empathy and made sure that I was listened to, communicated to, and comfortable with every step of the legal process. I would highly recommend Haugen Law Firm to any friends or family members with any legal needs.