This winter, nearly 40,000 troops have or will be returning home from war overseas. Many soldiers are ending their deployments having served multiple terms in two different wars. Now, they are returning home to families they haven't seen in at least a year. Unfortunately, some Massachusetts homecomings are leading to military divorce.

The men and women of our armed forces have served honorably, and now as they return home, life may not be the same as when they left on their deployment. These changes for the soldier and their family, although sad, may not seem reconcilable. Couples should be cautious and try to readjust to their soldier being home, but when the adjustment doesn't work, divorce might be the best solution for both spouses.

The stress on America's military families has been growing for the last decade when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq started. Since that time, the divorce rate among military couples has grown 42 percent. This increase is most likely related to the deployment of hundreds of thousands of troops into the war zone.

Many people would agree, it's important for couples to seek counseling and expert help to assist with the transition of the soldier coming home and for his or her family. If counseling can't resolve the issues the couple is having and they decided divorce might be the best option, it would be wise to speak with an experienced Massachusetts military divorce attorney. They will be able to help you through the process with the most respect for your situation.

Source: Fox News, "Military Marriages Need Support As Our Troops Return Home," Dennis Rainey, Jan. 2, 2012