It’s clear that 2020 will go down as an unprecedented year in our collective lifetimes. Although it is only half over, the year has already seen a pandemic that sparked a months-long national quarantine, a tanking economy, massive social unrest and seemingly endless political turmoil.
As we all brace for whatever comes next, many are still dealing with difficulties in their personal relationships that were caused or exacerbated by the pandemic and its aftermath. If you are considering divorce or planning to go through the process, you are certainly not alone.
Marriages Stretched To Breaking Point
This year has been a perfect storm for marriages that were already facing strains. Factors that could push marriages to the breaking point include:
- Spending much more time with a spouse from whom you already feel estranged
- Sharing confined quarters and getting on each other’s nerves
- Being circumstantially forced into different parenting and childcare roles than normal
- Losing a job or income due to suspension of daily business operations
- Reassessing life choices in light of the potentially fatal disease we are all at risk of contracting
Will the Covid-19 pandemic create a noticeable spike in the divorce rate? We may not have definitive data for quite some time. But news outlets around the country are reporting that family law attorneys have noticed an uptick in calls from prospective clients. At the same time, many divorces already in progress have had to slow down due to limited court resources during quarantine. Whatever happens, it seems likely that this problem will get worse before it gets better.
Understand Your Resources and Options
If you are experiencing marital strain and wonder if divorce is in your future, there are resources available to help you seek clarity. Many therapists now offer online or phone sessions, for instance. But if you’ve decided that divorce is necessary and right for your situation, your next step is to learn more about your legal options as well as any logistical complications that could arise due to the pandemic. That all starts with a call to an experienced family law attorney in your area.
