The reports of the impact of COVID-19 or coronavirus have largely focused on the economic and the tragic loss of life caused by the pandemic. However, throughout the world, there is also a social change occurring that is yet to be fully understood.
In Richardson, and throughout the state of Texas, the social impact of COVID-19 is likely to translate into higher divorce rates. Divorce lawyers, mental health experts, and researchers focusing on interpersonal relationships are concerned about the short and long-term impact the results of the quarantine and social distancing requirements are causing on already challenged marriage relationships.
Ongoing Confinement
One of the key issues divorce lawyers hear from those seeking divorce is the breakdown of the relationship between the couple. With the shelter-in-place, quarantine, or work from home requirements now in place, the couple’s inability to tolerate each other’s differences can come to the surface and boil over.
The longer there is the lack of a release from the situation, the greater the frustration with being stuck at home. Confinement together creates triggers as people begin to be irritated by their partner’s behaviors, habits, and routines.
To add to the issues with confinement, parents are often dealing with children who are also struggling with the stay at home guidelines. This adds to the issue if parents are not supporting each other with regards to parenting and home education of the children.
Financial Stress
At any time, financial stress is a significant factor people discuss with their divorce lawyers. Now, with businesses closing, workers trying to collect unemployment, or people trying to work from home, financial stress is even more of a factor.
Families with limited funds are most at risk for additional stress over financial issues. Still, conflict over money can occur in any family or with any couple. Differences in priorities in how to spend limited funds can also create tension and add to the discord in the marriage.
While a divorce may be the best option, talking to a Richardson divorce attorney before making any decisions is always a wise decision. The attorney can provide insight, information, and timelines to help you to understand the divorce process during the pandemic. The divorce lawyers at Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, can provide you with information on what to expect in the upcoming months through the Family Courts in Richardson.
