MCO 5800.16 Vol 9 - Dependent Support and Paternity

What this volume is

MCO 5800.16 Volume 9, DEPENDENT SUPPORT AND PATERNITY. One of 17 volumes of the Legal Support and Administration Manual, short title LSAM, the Marine Corps legal services authority issued by CMC (JA). Signed 01 MAY 2018. No substantive changes logged since original publication. Source PDF on file from the 2026-07 archive addition.

Sections

• 0101 Purpose
• 0102 Presence Of Separation Agreement Or Court Order
• 0103 Complaints Of Inadequate Support
• 0104 Interim Financial Support Standards
• 0105 Modification Of Interim Financial Support Requirements
• 0106 Form And Timing Of Financial Support Payments

Lead excerpt

This Volume establishes Marine Corps policy regarding financial support of dependent family members. This Order does not authorize a commanding officer to divide marital property or allocate marital debts; that is a matter left to agreement between the parties, or, in the absence of an agreement, to the courts. Family support issues are closely aligned with readiness, morale, discipline, and the reputation of the Service.

Quoted from section 0101, Purpose.

Audience

Commanders fielding dependent support complaints, leaders coaching Marines through family obligations, and legal assistance offices.

Connections

• MCO P5800.16 support standards surface on the portal's divorce, custody, and family readiness pages.
• MCO 1754.9 Family Advocacy. Parallel track when support issues ride abuse or neglect allegations.

Access

The external link opens the official landing page for the current version.