--- title: The “20/20/20 Rule” in a Military Divorce description: Divorce can be very difficult for anyone to deal with. But, what if your spouse is in the military? image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/2017%20Blog%20Images/December/Rule_Military_Divorce.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [20/20/20 Rule](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) # [The “20/20/20 Rule” in a Military Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/the-20/20/20-rule-in-a-military-divorce) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  5, December 2017 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/the-20/20/20-rule-in-a-military-divorce) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/the-20/20/20-rule-in-a-military-divorce#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [20/20/20 Rule](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) ## A divorce can be a complicated situation to say the least. Throw in the fact that one of the parties has spent a significant number of years serving in the military, and additional complexities are sure to appear. One specific issue relates to the “20/20/20 Rule.” This Rule ultimately provides additional benefits for the non-military spouse if certain requirements are meant. **What is the “20/20/20 Rule?”** First, in order for the 20/20/20 Rule to be in play, the following criteria must be met: 1. The military spouse has at least 20 years of creditable service towards determining retirement pay; 2. You have been married to the same military spouse for at least 20 years; and, 3. All 20 years of marriage overlap the 20 years of creditable (Active or Reserve) service which counted towards the military spouse’s retirement. The application and eligibility requirements concerning the 20/20/20 Rule are defined in greater detail in the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA). **What if I Meet the Criteria for Application of the 20/20/20 Rule?** If the non-military spouse meets the criteria outlined above, they may be eligible to receive ongoing health insurance coverage through TRICARE as well as the continued use of military exchange and commissary facilities. However, in order to receive these benefits, the former spouse must show that the marriage last at least 20 years, that the military spouses service lasted at least a 20 years, and that both of these 20 year terms overlapped for at least 20 years. Being able to establish the 20-year overlap is critical to the non-military spouse’s ability to gain access to these benefits post-divorce.  **Conclusion** As stated above, military divorces can be more complicated than civilian ones. As such, make sure to contact a military divorce attorney to advise you on your specific situation and how your circumstances can impact your rights as part of an anticipated divorce.   [Check out other attorneys sharing this article!](https://www.hildebrandlaw.com/entitlement-to-military-benefits-in-a-divorce-in-arizona/)  [For assistance with a military divorce or family law issue, contact one of our trusted Sioux City attorneys, Sioux Falls attorneys, or Omaha attorneys today!](http://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9) ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Divorce & Family Law (91)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) - [Family Law News and Insights (52)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) - [Divorce (19)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) - [Divorce Attorney (6)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) - [Child Custody (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/child-custody) - [Firm News (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [20/20/20 Rule (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) - [Agriculture (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/agriculture) - [CEO (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Fertility (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/fertility) - [Guardianship (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/guardianship) - [Human Resources (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) - [In Vitro (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/in-vitro) - [Iowa Divorce (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/iowa-divorce) - [Litigation & Trial (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-trial) - [Litigation News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-news-and-insights) - [Real Estate News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/real-estate-news-and-insights) - [Social Security Benefits (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/social-security-benefits) - [Trust Law Counsel (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/social-security-benefits-and-divorce) ##### [Social Security Benefits and Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/social-security-benefits-and-divorce) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/is-your-spouse-considering-a-divorce-these-four-steps-can-protect-your-interests) ##### [Is Your Spouse Considering a Divorce? These Four Steps Can Protect Your Interests.](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/is-your-spouse-considering-a-divorce-these-four-steps-can-protect-your-interests) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017