April is Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the resilience and sacrifices made by the children of our nation’s service members. As a Certified Family Law Specialist and someone who has worked extensively with military families, I’ve seen firsthand how military service can add a unique layer of complexity to custody and co-parenting arrangements.

Frequent relocations, deployments, and time away from home don’t change a parent’s love or commitment—but they do require thoughtful legal planning. Through my Talk to Tiffany approach, I help service members and their co-parents create custody solutions that protect children and respect the realities of military life.

Here’s how military parents can better navigate these challenges—and ensure their children remain emotionally supported and legally protected.

Challenges Military Families Face

1. Frequent Moves and Reassignments
Relocation is a fact of military life, and it can throw even the best custody schedule into disarray. That’s why I always recommend parenting plans that anticipate these moves. Whether it’s scheduled travel, holiday shifts, or virtual visitations during remote assignments, having a relocation strategy makes a big difference.

2. Deployments and Long-Term Absences
Deployments may keep a parent physically distant, but they don’t have to sever the parent-child bond. I work with military parents to build in consistent communication during deployments—video chats, letters, scheduled calls—so children continue to feel loved and connected.

3. Jurisdictional Complications
Military families often live in one state, have legal residency in another, and are stationed elsewhere entirely. Navigating which court has jurisdiction—especially for custody modifications or enforcement—is where many families get stuck. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) can help clarify these issues, but it’s crucial to get legal guidance to ensure you’re filing in the proper court.

Tips for Military Parents Navigating Custody

1. Create a Deployment-Ready Parenting Plan
Your parenting plan should be flexible, detailed, and customized for military life. Include contingencies for relocations, long-distance visitation, and post-deployment transitions. Proactive planning can prevent emotional stress and legal disputes later.

2. Prioritize Communication with Co-Parents
Even in high-conflict situations, respectful, child-centered communication is essential. I often recommend co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents to help keep records and streamline scheduling. These tools can help reduce conflict and increase consistency for your child.

3. Know Your Legal Rights Under the SCRA
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) exists to protect active-duty service members from civil legal actions—including custody matters—during deployment. Knowing your rights under federal law is just as important as understanding your parenting plan.

Serving Those Who Serve

Behind every service member is a family that serves too—especially the children who show strength during long absences and uncertain transitions. I believe those families deserve legal support that honors both their sacrifices and their futures.

As a family law attorney, I’m committed to helping military parents feel empowered, protected, and informed. Whether you’re navigating a divorce, modifying a custody order, or preparing for deployment, Talk to Tiffany. Together, we can build a plan that supports your child and respects your service.


Tiffany L. Andrews is a family law attorney serving Northern California. She specializes in custody, divorce, and child support cases, offering dedicated legal support for families navigating significant transitions. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.tlalawoffice.com or call 916-790-8440.