A surge in divorce filings is expected once stay-at-home orders and social distancing is no longer in effect, ABC News reports. Because of limited access to courts, many couples who planned on filing for divorce have been forced to hold off. Divorce lawyers across the U.S. are preparing for when those restrictions are lifted and the divorce filings come flooding in.
“This is what we are hearing around the country,” said Susan Myres, the president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. “We are fielding calls right now from people who are tired of being in the same house with each other.”
How does quarantine make a bad marriage worse?
With stay-at-home and social distancing orders in effect across the U.S., many couples are seeing more of each other than they ever did before. This can be a problem even in comfortable relationships because partners eventually need their space. However, when you and your spouse have been fighting more frequently and your habits are getting on each others’ nerves, the confined spaces of quarantine can exacerbate pre-existing issues.
Unfortunately, it isn’t only quarantining that’s driving up negative emotions. Many people are afraid, stressed, and anxious right now. The tension bred from forced proximity and these negative emotions can make you resent your partner even more. It’s important to be able to identify these feelings and to handle them in a healthy way. Family law attorneys and mediation services can help you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse mitigate these family issues.
How do you navigate a divorce during COVID-19?
Keep in mind that once courts reopen after the COVID-19 crisis that there’s going to be a backlog of divorce cases. That means now may be the right time to try and find a divorce lawyer experienced in handling family issues. According to ABC News, many divorce lawyers have been getting calls about divorce consultations and custody disputes.
In 29% of custody cases, the decision was made without any third-party involvement. But one parent may not want to follow custody orders during the COVID-19 crisis, and in some cases, law enforcement may need to intervene.
Finding a family lawyer right now may be in your best interest if you’re worried about child custody or if you’re worried about your divorce case becoming more complicated after COVID-19.
Need a divorce lawyer? The West Palm Beach divorce attorneys of the Affordable Divorce Center have you covered. To schedule a consultation with us, contact the Affordable Divorce Center today.
