What California Spouses Keep in 2025 –
For former military spouses in California, understanding exactly which benefits continue after divorce is crucial for financial planning. The rules changed in 2025, affecting everything from healthcare to base access. Here’s your complete guide to navigating the complex world of post-divorce military benefits.
The 20/20/20 Rule vs. 20/20/15 Rule
Your benefit eligibility depends on these marriage/service overlaps:
- 20/20/20 status (full benefits):
- 20+ years of marriage
- 20+ years of service
- 20+ years overlap
- 20/20/15 status (1 year transitional benefits):
- 20+ years of marriage
- 20+ years of service
- 15-19 years overlap
5 Key Benefits and Their 2025 Status
- TRICARE: 20/20/20 spouses keep full coverage indefinitely
- Commissary/Exchange: Access continues with proper ID
- Base housing: Only during transitional period
- Survivor Benefits: Must be specifically addressed in divorce
- Education benefits: New restrictions for transferred GI Bill
2025 Changes Affecting Former Spouses
Important updates for California residents:
- Stricter ID card renewal verification
- Modified TRICARE premium structures
- New DEERS enrollment procedures
- Updated SBP enrollment windows
3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid
From our benefit cases, these errors cause the most problems:
- Missing DEERS re-enrollment deadlines
- Assuming benefits continue automatically
- Failing to properly document marriage/service overlap
Why Benefit Guidance Matters
We’ve helped clients:
- A Navy spouse maintain TRICARE after 22-year marriage
- An Army wife secure proper base access for co-parenting
- A Marine’s ex-spouse navigate SBP enrollment changes
- An Air Force family divide education benefits fairly
Our benefit preservation services include:
- DEERS eligibility verification
- TRICARE transition planning
- SBP election guidance
- Base access coordination
Don’t lose benefits you’ve earned. Schedule your benefits review today. Proper planning protects your future. Military benefits are often the most valuable assets in a divorce. Protect them accordingly.
