2025 Rules for Former Military Spouses –
Losing base access after divorce creates immediate practical challenges for California military families. Between TRICARE, commissary privileges, and childcare options; understanding exactly what access your ex-spouse retains helps prevent conflicts and plan ahead. Here’s what’s changed in 2025.
The 20/20/20 Rule Explained
Federal law determines most privileges through this calculation:
- 20 years of marriage overlapping
- 20 years of military service
- 20 years of marriage during service
Meeting all three preserves full benefits. Partial qualifications grant limited access.
2025 California-Specific Updates
Recent changes affecting local bases:
- New ID card procedures at Camp Pendleton and Travis AFB
- Modified visitor policies for divorced parents
- Updated school access rules for former spouses
- Revised commissary authorization requirements
3-Step Process to Verify Privileges
- Obtain DEERS verification of your exact eligibility
- Request base-specific guidance from the installation commander
- Secure court orders for any contested access rights
Common Misunderstandings We Clarify
From our base access cases:
- Child custody orders don’t automatically grant base access
- State divorce decrees can’t override federal base regulations
- Privileges may change with the service member’s retirement
Why You Need Local Expertise
We’ve helped clients:
- A Navy spouse maintain medical care during cancer treatment
- An Air Force father secure school access for parent-teacher conferences
- A Marine’s ex-wife continue childcare at the base center
Our base access services include:
- DEERS eligibility analysis
- Base regulation research
- Court order preparation
- Negotiation with base legal offices
Don’t guess about your post-divorce privileges. Get our base access evaluation today. Clear guidance prevents frustrating denials at the gate. Base access rules blend federal law, military policy, and California court orders.
