Skip to Content
Offices In Colorado Springs, Pueblo, And The Denver Metro Area
719-602-5888
Clawson & Clawson, LLP Clawson & Clawson, LLP
Top
Divorce agreement and wedding rings
|

Preparing for Divorce as a Pilot: Navigating Legal, Financial, and Emotional Turbulence

By Matthew C. Clawson, Colorado Divorce Attorney — The Divorce Guy™

Divorce is difficult for anyone—but airline pilots face unique challenges due to the demands of their profession. Fluctuating schedules, strict FAA regulations, and complex benefit structures can make the process more complicated. Pilots must take extra steps to protect their personal well-being, career, and financial future.

Whether you’re just starting the process or are already navigating proceedings, here are ten critical areas every pilot should address to protect both your license and your livelihood.

1. Prioritize Emotional and Mental Health

Divorce can cause significant stress, and unmanaged stress can affect a pilot’s medical certification.

  • Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.
  • If needed, take temporary leave to protect your fitness to fly.
  • Use confidential resources like ALPA’s Pilot Peer Support (PPS) program, available 24/7.

2. Notify Your Airline and Update Benefits

Divorce is a qualifying life event. This means you can adjust healthcare benefits, insurance coverage, and dependent enrollment.
Update your:

  • Life insurance and 401(k) beneficiaries
  • Pass travel privileges
  • Health plan elections

3. Update Personal Contact Information

Ensure your employer and ALPA have your current:

  • Home address
  • Phone numbers
  • Emergency contacts

4. Organize Your Financial Information

Being financially prepared is key in a high-asset divorce.

  • Create a full list of marital assets and debts.
  • Gather important documents:
    • Last 3 years of tax returns
    • Bank and investment account statements
    • Retirement account summaries
  • Consider opening a separate account to manage funds independently during the divorce process.

5. Hire an Experienced Colorado Divorce Attorney

Even in amicable divorces, legal guidance is essential—especially for pilots. A skilled attorney can protect:

  • Your rights under Colorado divorce law
  • Airline-specific benefits and pensions
  • Fair asset division and support calculations
    Choose a lawyer with experience handling pilot custody plans and high-income divorce cases.

6. Protect Your Digital and Financial Privacy

Change passwords for all personal accounts, including:

  • Email
  • Banking and investment accounts
  • Cloud storage
    Use secure, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access.

7. Plan for Child Custody Around Your Flight Schedule

A pilot’s schedule often doesn’t fit traditional parenting plans. Work with your attorney or co-parent to:

  • Create flexible but reliable visitation arrangements
  • Build in notice periods based on monthly bid schedules
  • Include makeup time for missed visits
    Colorado courts support flexibility when it serves the child’s best interests.

8. Update ALPA Membership and Airline Records

Notify ALPA and your employer of changes to:

  • Marital status
  • Dependent coverage
  • Emergency contacts
  • Pass privileges and beneficiary designations

9. Communicate Respectfully with Your Spouse

  • Plan calm, constructive conversations about the divorce process.
  • Consider mediation to reduce conflict and legal costs.
  • Focus on resolution—not retaliation—especially if you share children.

10. Keep Your Children’s Well-Being First

  • Protect them from conflict and adult financial discussions.
  • Maintain consistent routines.
  • Never ask children to take sides or deliver messages between parents.

ALPA Resources for Pilots Going Through Divorce

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) provides confidential support for members facing divorce:

Pilot Peer Support (PPS) — 24/7 confidential peer-to-peer support from trained pilots.
Family Issues Group — Guidance on name changes, benefit updates, and emergency contact changes.
Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) — FAA medical certification support during times of stress.
Mental Health Resources — Access to counseling programs and national mental health organizations.

Final Thoughts

Divorce as a pilot isn’t just about ending a marriage—it can affect your career, finances, and ability to parent. Being proactive, informed, and well-supported makes all the difference.

“Pilots often face added stress during divorce because their career depends on stability and discretion. We help protect your flying status, financial future, and parenting time—so you can keep your life and career in the air.”
— Matthew C. Clawson, The Divorce Guy™

Schedule a confidential consultation today. Whether you’re a commercial airline pilot, a reservist, or fly international routes, Clawson & Clawson, LLP can help you navigate divorce with clarity and control.

Matthew C. Clawson

Colorado Family Law Attorney
Clawson & Clawson, LLP – Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Phone: (719) 634-1848; 303-550-9873
Email: matthew@clawson.law
Website: https://www.clawsonattorney.com/

Categories: