Coronavirus Pandemic Makes Breaking Up Harder to Do
Ending a relationship is rarely easy, but the challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic are making it even harder for couples to separate, according to some observers. While partners whose relationships already showed strains may see tensions increase and new issues arise, stay at home orders and travel restrictions might keep people stuck in place — both literally and figuratively.
Financial uncertainty can be a strong incentive to stay together instead of formally ending a relationship. The economic impact of coronavirus has been severe. With an estimated 36 million U.S. jobs lost during the first few months of the pandemic, many people cannot afford to cover monthly bills and other basic needs, let alone absorb the costs of moving into a new home and paying legal fees for a divorce.
Another difficulty may arise in dividing up stocks and other investments that have uncertain futures. Because the economic fallout is still unpredictable, a divorcing spouse agreeing to split assets in a way that seems equitable may actually end up on the short end of the deal. Determining an appropriate amount of alimony can become more challenging if one of both spouses has lost a job during the pandemic, without any immediate prospects for future employment. Issues such as child custody, visitation and child support may also become more complex, due not only to economic pressures but also to the logistics of sharing parental time.
Furthermore, many family courts across the country limited their in-person services once lockdowns were initiated, agreeing to hear only emergency cases and not accepting new divorce filings. Although some courts have opened up the possibility of using video conferences for divorce proceedings, not everyone is able to get a divorce remotely. A divorce that might have been uncontested in normal circumstances might become contested under the strain of the ongoing crisis.
The professionals at Solutions Divorce Mediation, Inc. in Dix Hills, New York have helped many Long Island families reach agreements on the various aspects of divorce. Our skilled, caring mediators never lose their focus on helping spouses achieve satisfactory outcomes. To schedule a free consultation, call 1.631.683.8172 or contact us online.