Jacquelyn Blott’s Mission To Support Veterans Through Family Law

At Modern Family Law, we believe that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Few embody that spirit more than Jacquelyn Blott, a Senior Attorney in our Austin office, whose career has been shaped by deep personal ties to the military community. In this conversation with our Marketing & Communications Manager, Caroline Germano, Jacquelyn shares her story, the legal challenges veterans face in family law, and what motivates her to advocate fiercely for those who’ve served our country.

A Legacy Of Service

Caroline Germano: Could you share a bit about your background and what led you to work closely with veterans in the field of family law?

Jacquelyn Blott: My journey began in early childhood. My father served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he joined the Houston Police Department and rose through the ranks to become a sergeant. Because of his dedication to both the Marine Corps and law enforcement, service and patriotism were deeply valued in our family.

My mother was a nurse, and public service was simply part of our lives. My father came from a large family; he had around 11 siblings, and all but two of them served in the military, including the women. One of my great aunts was actually among the first women to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, which is something I have always found remarkable.

That strong family tradition of military service continued into the next generation. My nephew followed in my father’s footsteps and served eight years in the Marine Corps. My son also enlisted and served for twelve years. Both of them were deployed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. My nephew completed two tours, and although I am not sure how many my son completed, they both served in combat zones.

During that time, I founded the Houston Marine Moms, which later became a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. It started as a way to support mothers whose children were serving in Iraq, and eventually evolved into a care package operation. We sent hygiene supplies and other necessities to troops overseas, and even received recognition from Washington, D.C., for our efforts.

One day, while gathering supplies at a local pharmacy in Houston, a very tall man approached me and asked what I was doing. After I explained, he invited me to meet someone. Though I was initially hesitant, having been raised by a police officer to be cautious, I followed him. It turned out he was the head of the Secret Service for President George H.W. Bush. He introduced me to the former president, who was interested in supporting our mission. That encounter led to the founding of Tip of the Spear, a Texas-based nonprofit that supports military personnel deployed in hostile environments. We focused on providing nonstandard but critical supplies, like sappy plates and generators, things that were not easily or quickly supplied by the Department of Defense.

From there, my path continued. After the passing of my former boss, Ken Nunley of the Nunley firm in Bernie, I returned to private practice and decided I wanted to continue supporting veterans more directly. I became certified to represent veterans before the Veterans Administration, assisting with disability claims and rating increases.

Interestingly, one of my very first family law clients after earning that certification was a veteran in Sugar Land. That case marked the beginning of my work in family law with a focus on serving veterans, and I have continued that work ever since.

Caroline Germano: Thank you for sharing that. You mentioned that your work with veterans began with one case and gradually expanded. Approximately what percentage of your clients would you say have been veterans or members of military families?

Jacquelyn Blott: For quite some time, veterans and even active-duty service members made up at least half, if not more, of my caseload.

Dispelling The Stigma

Caroline Germano: If you had to highlight some of the unique challenges that veterans face in family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, or support, what would you say those challenges are?

Jacquelyn Blott: One of the most significant challenges I have encountered, and one that nearly landed me in contempt of court, is the widespread set of assumptions people make about veterans. There are three in particular that I see time and again.

First, there is the belief that if someone is a veteran, especially from the era of Iraq and Afghanistan (roughly post-2000), they must have PTSD, regardless of whether or not they were deployed. That assumption is simply not accurate.

Second, if a veteran does have PTSD, people often jump to the conclusion that they are inherently violent, either physically or emotionally. I have had a case where, before any evidence was even presented, a judge ruled that my client would be required to have supervised visitation with his children solely because he was a veteran diagnosed with PTSD. I challenged that ruling passionately, and I came dangerously close to being held in contempt. Thankfully, the judge later apologized, and I was not jailed, but that experience highlights a very real and troubling bias.

There is a significant stigma attached to military service. Many civilians, including those in the legal system, such as attorneys and judges who lack firsthand experience with veterans, default to these harmful assumptions. And while there are cases where veterans are actively working through PTSD, applying a blanket judgment to all who have served is an enormous disservice.

In truth, some of the most generous, compassionate, and kind-hearted individuals I have ever known are those who have served in the United States military. It is unfair to reduce their identity or character to a diagnosis or stereotype.

Caroline Germano: Would you say that this stigma is part of the reason some clients may hesitate to disclose their veteran status, out of concern that they will be unfairly judged or stereotyped?

Jacquelyn Blott: Absolutely, without a doubt. That hesitation is very real, and it often stems from the stigma we discussed. Many of the veterans I work with are reluctant to even mention their military service because they fear being unfairly judged or labeled.

It might sound surprising, but most of the veterans I have worked with did not serve for recognition or praise. They did not make those sacrifices for accolades or public appreciation. The individuals I know served because they genuinely wanted to make a difference. They followed orders from commanders in chief, regardless of political affiliation, because that is what was expected of them as service members.

This is the reality many veterans face. Their motivations are often misunderstood, and they are unfairly burdened by stereotypes that overlook their character and intentions.

One of the most important messages I try to convey is that a diagnosis of PTSD does not mean there is something wrong with a veteran. It simply means there may be challenges that require thoughtful management and support.

I recently spoke with a veteran who shared a powerful perspective: while the military does an exceptional job training individuals to serve as soldiers, Marines, airmen, and sailors, there is often a gap when it comes to preparing them for life after service. This lack of transition support can leave veterans navigating complex challenges on their own, which is where compassionate legal representation and understanding can make a meaningful difference.

These challenges impact family law. While the psychological effects of transitioning out of military service are significant, they are just one part of a broader set of issues veterans often face in family law matters. That said, the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly PTSD, is one of the most prevalent and pressing concerns.

Navigating Pensions, Benefits & Legal Misunderstandings

Caroline Germano: You mentioned your experience working with veterans’ benefits and military pensions. In your view, do these types of benefits tend to complicate family law proceedings?

Jacquelyn Blott: Veterans’ benefits and military pensions are often among the most complex factors in divorce and child support cases, particularly in states like Texas. In Texas, disability compensation received through the VA is not considered community property because it is non-taxable. This means it is not subject to division during a divorce, although it can still be considered when calculating child support.

However, if a veteran is medically retired and chooses to receive payments through the Department of Defense, those payments may be considered a divisible asset. This distinction often confuses and can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Health insurance is another area that can create complications. There is a common misconception that all veterans automatically receive health coverage for their children. In reality, children only qualify for VA-sponsored coverage if the veteran is 100% disabled. Even then, families can face the same challenges as civilian parents, such as navigating out-of-state coverage, in-network vs. out-of-network providers, and general access to care.

It can all get quite complex, which is why it is important to break things down and help clients clearly understand their rights and options.

One area that stands out for me, especially because I am VA certified, is how disability income is treated in family law matters. Understanding how to handle disability benefits when dividing assets, addressing retirement, or calculating child support is critical, and it requires specialized knowledge.

Family law is complex by nature, but when you are working with veterans, there is an added layer of intricacy that many people, including some legal professionals, may not fully understand. My clients often face unique challenges that require a deeper familiarity with both family law and veterans’ benefits to navigate effectively.

This message is especially for family law practitioners: one of the patterns I often see when working with veterans is their reluctance to advocate for themselves. Many will say, “Whatever they want, just give it to them,” because they are used to putting others first and minimizing their own needs.

In those moments, I make it clear, if they will not fight for themselves, I will. And I do. It is important for veterans to understand that it is okay to ask for what they need, and it is okay to allow someone to stand up for them. Advocating for their rights is not a weakness; it is a step toward fairness and healing.

Caroline Germano: Is that something you commonly observe with your clients?

Jacquelyn Blott: Yes, I do. I currently have several clients who are veterans, and many of them tend to take a step back in their cases, saying things like, “Whatever she wants” or “Whatever he wants.” But I always tell them that is not how this works.

I remind them often: You fought for me and for all of us, now it is your turn to let me fight for you.

I believe there is a widespread misconception about veterans, even within the legal community. Many people tend to view them as tough, unyielding individuals who do not back down. But in my experience, that is far from the truth.

Across all branches of the military, I have found that veterans are often thoughtful, reflective, and generous. During initial consultations and follow-up conversations, our discussions tend to go much deeper than a typical intake. These are not brief or surface-level calls; we often take the time to unpack complex experiences and concerns.

Every client brings a unique background, whether they are a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or teacher. Most legal professionals know how to connect with individuals from those more familiar roles, because we encounter them often in our daily lives. We live among them, have friends and family in those professions, and understand how to communicate with them.

However, outside of states with a strong military presence, like Texas and California, there tends to be less familiarity with veterans. That gap can lead to misunderstanding and even misjudgment. It is important for those of us in the legal field to take the time to truly listen, learn, and approach veterans with the respect and understanding they deserve.

Legal Gaps & Unintended Disadvantages

Caroline Germano: Are there any legal protections or policies that either support veterans or, conversely, may unintentionally disadvantage them during divorce or child custody proceedings?

Jacquelyn Blott: When it comes to veterans and active-duty military personnel as well, there are areas where current laws can unintentionally create disadvantages, particularly in family law matters like divorce and child custody. While disability income is often discussed, I believe state legislatures should revisit how we treat certain types of military-related benefits in these cases.

For example, many active-duty service members enlist right after high school. The average age of enlisted personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan was just 22. Many leave the military after four years of service with limited civilian job skills and turn to education to transition into the workforce. They often rely on the GI Bill or, in Texas, the Hazlewood Act. These programs offer tuition assistance along with housing and subsistence allowances.

However, those housing and subsistence benefits are considered taxable income and are factored into child support calculations. As a result, I have seen cases where veterans cannot afford to attend school, even part-time, because their benefits are counted as income, significantly increasing their child support obligations. I am not suggesting veterans should not pay child support, but I do believe this type of income should be treated differently in these calculations to ensure that educational opportunities remain accessible.

Another concern arises with disability compensation. Veterans who are rated above a certain disability percentage receive additional compensation for their children. This benefit is calculated per child, not as a lump sum. However, when determining child support, the total disability income, including the portion intended for the children, is often included. I believe that child-specific disability payments should be applied as a credit to reduce the veteran’s overall child support obligation, since those funds are already designated for the child’s care.

There are also jurisdictional issues for active-duty military families. I recently encountered a case where both spouses were stationed out of state, but their official residence was in Texas. While they could file for divorce in Texas, their child custody case had to be filed in the state where the children currently lived. That means two separate legal proceedings, potentially in two different states, with separate filing fees and possibly different attorneys, an overwhelming financial burden for many service members.

Service members are not entering this career to get rich. The financial and legal complexities they face, especially in family law, deserve thoughtful attention and reform. There is a real need for legal systems to better accommodate the unique circumstances of both veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Community Resources For Military Families

Caroline Germano: For those who may be reading this and are either considering divorce or beginning to navigate custody issues, are there any specific resources or support networks you would recommend they turn to?

Jacquelyn Blott: Absolutely. There are many resources available to veterans, particularly in areas like Austin and San Antonio, which benefit from a strong military presence and well-established support networks for both veterans and active-duty service members.

For those in the Austin area, Heroes Night Out is a great organization that provides valuable support and regularly collaborates with legal professionals who have experience working with veterans. Additionally, organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts often serve as community hubs where veterans can find guidance, camaraderie, and information on local resources.

On a more local level, many county governments have veteran services offices that can be an excellent starting point. For example, Travis County, Bexar County, and Harris County all have dedicated departments or officers who assist veterans with a variety of needs, including legal matters.

I also encourage veterans to reach out to others in their network. Often, fellow veterans can provide valuable insight or referrals based on their own experiences. Simply asking, “Have you been through this?” or “Do you know where I can get help?” can open the door to support you may not have known existed.

The Case That Changed Everything

Caroline Germano: Is there one particular case involving a veteran that left a lasting impression on you?

Jacquelyn Blott: I came of age during the Vietnam War era, a time when the realities of combat were not broadcast into our living rooms the way they were during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Back then, we never knew whose son or daughter, often just 18, 22, or 28 years old, might appear on the news from the front lines. Having been raised by a Marine and later raising a Marine myself, I have developed a deep sense of responsibility and protection toward our veterans and active-duty service members. My connection to this community is personal and profound, and at times, deeply emotional, especially when my own son was deployed.

One case, in particular, has stayed with me. I was representing a veteran in a hearing for temporary orders. Prior to the hearing, his wife had accused him of assault and reported him to CPS, claiming he had PTSD. That claim alone, without further evidence, led to his incarceration and a host of devastating consequences. Although we were able to resolve the criminal matter, the stigma lingered as we entered family court.

At the hearing, opposing counsel made an opening statement referencing my client’s PTSD, implying that it should influence the custody decision. Before I even had the chance to present any evidence or respond, the judge interrupted and ruled that my client would only be allowed supervised visitation. No testimony, no cross-examination, just a judgment based solely on a diagnosis.

In that moment, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I firmly and vocally objected and asked for the judge’s recusal. When he asked on what grounds, I challenged him with a hypothetical: if some judges are susceptible to bribery, should I assume he is too? Of course not. That would be a baseless assumption, and yet that is exactly what had just happened to my client. Because he had PTSD, it was assumed he was dangerous.

The judge paused. Then he said, “Let’s hear the facts.”

Thankfully, he allowed me to present the evidence. And after the hearing, he asked both counsel to approach the bench. What he said next was something I will never forget: “Miss Blott, thank you. No one has ever stood up to me like that or fought that hard for a veteran. You made me see it differently.”

He then asked how my client was paying me, and I explained that I was representing him pro bono; he was only covering the expenses. I was living in a travel trailer on the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi at the time, and while I was there, I made it a point not to charge veterans for legal representation.

This case underscored a hard truth: the stigma around PTSD can lead to unfair and deeply harmful assumptions. But it also reminded me why I do this work, because our veterans deserve someone in their corner who is willing to fight as fiercely for them as they have for all of us.

Why She Continues To Fight

Caroline Germano: What continues to motivate you to serve and advocate for the veteran community?

Jacquelyn Blott: Practicing family law, especially for as long as I have, can be incredibly emotional and, at times, exhausting. There have been several points where I tried to step away from it, including my work representing veterans before the Veterans Administration. It is a demanding area of law, both mentally and emotionally.

Interestingly, it was the same judge I once feared might hold me in contempt who asked me a simple but powerful question: “Why do you do this?”

At the time, when I was in private practice, I either offered my services to veterans pro bono or at a significantly reduced rate. The reality is that most veterans are not wealthy. Many are doing their best to maintain a middle-income life after transitioning out of service.

So when the judge asked how I was compensated, I told him: I got paid the day they signed on the dotted line to serve. And I genuinely meant it.

I believe I owe everything to our veterans and active-duty service members. They owe me nothing in return. If I can do even a small part to support them and ease their burdens after all they have sacrificed, then that is exactly what I will continue to do.

Caroline Germano: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to add or share?

Jacquelyn Blott: To my fellow family law practitioners: when working with veterans or active-duty service members, take the time to truly listen. If you do not fully understand their experiences or needs, seek guidance, whether from a knowledgeable colleague, a veteran, or a trusted resource. Of course, be mindful of protecting client confidentiality, but do not let uncertainty become a barrier to effective advocacy.

Veterans represent a distinct and honorable part of our society. To serve them well, we must go beyond the basics. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves so we are fully equipped to support those who have given so much in service to our country.

And to the veterans: please remember that you do not have to fight every battle on your own, not anymore. You stood up for us, and now it is our turn to stand up for you. Let your legal team advocate for you. Let us carry that weight with you. You deserve that support.

Conclusion

Jacquelyn Blott’s unwavering commitment to veterans goes beyond the courtroom—it’s deeply personal. Through her compassion, legal expertise, and courage to challenge bias, she has become an advocate veterans can trust. At Modern Family Law, we are proud to have attorneys like Jacquelyn who fight not only for justice but for dignity and understanding.