Divorce filings are expected to increase up to 25% in the last months of 2020 because of the strain Covid-19 has put on families. Existing fissures in a relationship can erupt with families cooped up while parents do double duty of working from home while taking care of children. Disagreements over the division of housework, finances, rearing kids and more, has made the hard work of marriages and relationships that much harder and some are calling it quits.
A survey taken in July reveals that over 25 percent of adults know a couple that have plans to divorce or separate when the pandemic subsides. Certainly calls are up to family law attorneys with many “hypothetical” inquiries regarding the divorce process, property division, child support and custody, “should it come to that”. Many couples that reported feeling stuck in a bad relationship during the early days of the pandemic are now moving toward a resolution.
Marriages Rocked by Covid-19
With closures and employment issues related to Covid-19 putting an unprecedented strain on marriages, experts agree that it is important to acknowledge that the situation is unique…blame the pandemic, not the spouse (at least for now). Avoid making significant relationship decisions until conditions normalize and everyone can resume their regular activities. Carve out some time and space or needed apart time. When spending time with family, keep it light while riding-out the Covid 19 storm.
Get the Information You Need | Illinois Divorce Law
That said, having the information you need regarding the divorce process can allow you to make informed choices moving forward and provide some measure of calm knowing that options exist. If you would like more information regarding how to prepare for an Illinois divorce, how child custody will work, how much child support or spousal support you will be eligible for or will pay, or how property will be divided including who can keep the family home, contact the Libertyville family law offices of Ronald L . Bell & Associates for answers to your questions today at 847-495-6000.