Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was honorably discharged two years ago and want back in, I've since been married and my wife has a 2 year old child, what assurances can i get that she will be able to come to duty station with me? I'm working on the adoption but if the adoption doesn't go through will she still be able to go with me?

ANSWER: James,
Congratulations on your marriage!
Just because you married a lady with children that should present no problem.  The 2-year old child merely becomes your legal stepchild.  You do not have to adopt the child for he/she to become a legal dependant.  As long as you are stationed at a base where dependents are allowed, they'll be welcome.  Both are entitled to medical care, housing, etc. same as you.  Some of the personnel forms you fill out may ask you to indicate if the child is a stepchild or not, but they are treated the same.  I married a wonderful lady who had 2 teenage children that I never adopted, out of respect for them because they didn't wish to change their name.  They've both travelled around the world with us for the last 30 years and I've never once had a problem.
Best wishes,
Colonel Howell

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir,
Thank you for the reply, but my wife doesn't have 100% custody she has 70% custody. Does that change anything?
v/r
James

Answer
James,
Yes, that changes a lot of things.  Usually the civil courts direct the parents who are sharing custody of the child, as to how far apart they may live, so as not to deny the rights of either parent.  So you're out of my realm of expertise now.  I suggest you ask this question to a lawyer.
Colonel H