The Problem: Getting Divorced While Stationed Overseas
Why Traditional Divorce Is Difficult Overseas
- Jurisdiction issues: Foreign courts generally won't handle U.S. marriages, and U.S. state courts require residency
- Travel requirements: Many states require you to appear in court in person
- Residency requirements: Most states require 6-12 months of residency before filing
- Complex international service: Serving divorce papers internationally can take months and cost thousands
- Time zone challenges: Coordinating with U.S. attorneys across 8-14 hour time differences
The Proxy Divorce Solution
If your marriage was formed in Montana — like most proxy marriages — Montana courts have jurisdiction to dissolve it. This means:
- No residency requirement: You don't need to live in Montana or ever have lived there
- No travel required: Everything is handled by mail and email
- No in-person appearance: If a hearing is required (rare), you can appear remotely by phone
- Works from any APO/FPO: Military mail works just like stateside
- Same timeline: 2-4 months regardless of where you're located
Where We Help Service Members
We regularly help military members end their proxy marriages from installations around the world:
Germany
Our most common overseas location
Ramstein AB, Spangdahlem AB, Grafenwöhr, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl
South Korea
Large U.S. military presence
Camp Humphreys, Osan AB, Camp Casey, Yongsan, Kunsan AB
Japan
Navy & Marine installations
Yokosuka, Okinawa, Yokota AB, Misawa AB, Iwakuni MCAS
Other Locations
Anywhere with mail access
Italy, UK, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Guam, and more
If you have access to email and a notary (online notaries work well), we can help you — regardless of where you're stationed.
How the Process Works From Overseas
Submit Online
Complete our questionnaire online — takes 3 minutes from anywhere in the world.
Free Case Review
Our Montana attorney reviews your case and confirms eligibility within 1-2 business days.
Both Parties Sign
We send documents to both spouses. Each signs before a notary and returns the paperwork.
Receive Decree
We file with the court and mail your final decree. Typically 2-4 months total.
Getting Documents Notarized Overseas
You'll need to sign documents in front of a notary. Here are your options overseas:
On-Base Options (Free)
- Legal Assistance Office: Most bases have notary services through JAG
- Finance Office: Often has notary services available
- Personnel Office: May offer notary services
Off-Base Options
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Provides notary services for American citizens (fee applies)
- Consular Agent: In smaller cities without full consulates
Your Two Options
We offer two ways to end your Montana proxy marriage. Both work the same from overseas:
Annulment
Declares the marriage invalid from the start — legally like it never happened.
Requires:
- Misrepresentation before marriage
- File within 2 years of discovery
- Both parties sign
Divorce
Traditional divorce. No special requirements beyond standard eligibility.
Requires:
- Both parties sign
- Assets under $50,000
- No jointly-owned real estate
Both options cost $1,998 and take 2-4 months. Not sure which applies? We'll tell you for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Find out if you qualify — takes 3 minutes, works from any time zone.
Start Your Free ReviewFree consultation • No obligation • Response in 1-2 business days
Works From Anywhere
Our process is designed for service members overseas:
- 100% remote — no travel
- Email and APO/FPO mail
- Notary services on base
- Same 2-4 month timeline
- Same $1,998 flat fee
Related Pages
Contact Us
- Measure Law, P.C.
128 Second Street East
Kalispell, MT 59901 - info@proxydivorce.com