★★★★★ 5.0 ON GOOGLE · CLIENT REVIEWS | AVAILABLE 24/7
Since the start of the full-scale invasion and mobilization, many servicemen have found themselves in a situation where they need to be discharged from service for family circumstances. One of the most common and weighty grounds is having three or more children under the age of 18. Despite clear legal provisions, the discharge process often runs into bureaucratic obstacles, and commanders of military units ignore submitted reports. In this article we explain how to correctly prepare the documents and what steps to take to protect your right to discharge.
A serviceman’s right to discharge during martial law for family circumstances is governed by the Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service”. Article 19 of this law, as well as the relevant provisions of a Presidential Decree and a Cabinet of Ministers Resolution, define an exhaustive list of grounds. One of them is having three or more children under the age of 18 as dependents.
Importantly, the law does not require living together with the children to confirm the fact of support, since parental duties remain regardless of this.
A key point in the discharge process is the correct preparation of the package of documents confirming the fact of support. The law does not provide an exhaustive list, so it is worth preparing as much confirmation as possible to avoid dragging out the process.
The necessary documents:
Unfortunately, there are frequent cases when the command ignores a report. Steps to take:
If all pre-trial attempts have not produced a result, the last step may be going to court. The court, having considered the evidence provided, may oblige the commander of the military unit to make a decision on discharging the serviceman.
The result of a successful discharge: the issuance of the commander’s order on discharge; payment of all due financial compensation, including the monthly bonus, the allowance for special conditions of service, additional monetary remuneration and one-time monetary aid in connection with the discharge; removal from the military register and a return to civilian life.
Can a serviceman with three children be discharged?
Having three or more children under 18 can be a ground for discharge or for not being taken into service in the cases defined by law.
What are the grounds for discharging a serviceman with many children?
Supporting three or more children under 18; the specific conditions and list of documents depend on the situation and the current provisions.
What documents are needed for discharge?
Documents confirming the family composition and the support of the children: birth certificates, certificates on the family composition and others as needed.
What should I do if discharge is refused?
A refusal can be appealed to the command or to an administrative court; it is important to record the grounds for the refusal and gather evidence.
LEXON lawyers will help prepare the report and the package of documents, handle communication with the command and appeal an unlawful refusal, up to going to court. We work online throughout Ukraine, confidentially. Leave a request or call us.
Author: Ilona Melnychuk, attorney In Brief You can dissolve a marriage through the registry office (DRATS, the body for the state registration of civil status
The “Lexon” attorney secured the complete cancellation of a resolution imposing a fine under part 2 of Article 122 of the Code of Ukraine on
It happens more often than it seems: one day you suddenly find out about the existence of a court decision issued in a case you
Grand changes await the Ukrainian business environment. As of August 28, 2025, the Commercial Code of Ukraine loses its force. This is not just a
Buying real estate is always a serious step that requires not only significant financial investment, but also thorough legal verification. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it
Buying real estate has always been a responsible step, and in the conditions of 2025, when economic instability and wartime risks intensify fraudulent schemes, it
