Divorces Expected to Rise Due to Coronavirus

COVID-19 has caused a lot of stress among Americans. The deadly virus has shuttered restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and other non-essential businesses. Millions of Americans are seeking unemployment benefits. Companies are seeing decreased revenues. Many states and counties have shelter in place orders.

This has caused many Americans to be stuck at home, either unemployed or working from home. Many couples have been forced to be around each other 24/7. For those in stable marriages, this may not be so bad. In fact, it could lead to a baby boom in nine months. For others, however, this quarantine is making them realize how much they can’t stand their spouse. In fact, it’s causing a spike in divorce cases.

When China began quarantining residents, divorce filings increased. The same is happening in the United States now that governors of many states have ordered residents to stay home except to conduct necessary business, such as grocery shopping and banking. Couples are fighting over finances and the everyday stresses of being around someone who is annoying them or causing them tension. This has led to as much as a 50% increase in business for many divorce lawyers across the nation.

But why now? Quarantine is stressful. Couples are seeing their marriage’s issues come to light now that they are spending so much time together. Couples may be bored, since they cannot leave their home and engage in social activities for the time being. They may be facing financial struggles. They may not have enough household supplies, such as food and toilet paper, since many shoppers are panic buying and causing supply shortages.

Plus, there is the constant fear of infection. With the media constantly reporting the growing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, people may be scared that they or their children or other family members may get sick, especially if they have inadequate sick leave or healthcare insurance.

Compounding the situation is the recent stock market crash. Wealthy individuals are seeing their net worth decrease dramatically, so they figure now is the right time to get out of their marriages. They have a rationale for divorce at this time. They can cut ties now and give their spouses much smaller settlements, while finances are on the downswing.

To prevent a divorce, couples should instead show interest in their spouses. They express affection and appreciation instead of negativity. It’s normal to be worried and stressed out during this time and they should show empathy toward each other, not criticism.

Contact a Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today

Spending time together can be good for couples. However, when couples are spending 24/7 with each other, tempers are likely to flare. It’s not uncommon for spouses to get sick and tired of each other. As quarantines extend for months, it can lead to divorce.

When marriages are already on shaky ground, divorces are more likely to occur. The Columbia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can guide you through the process and help you obtain a favorable outcome during these uncertain times. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

pagesix.com/2020/03/24/divorce-rates-jumping-in-corona-quarantined-couples/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/people-using-stimulus-checks-for-divorces/