In the wake of the coronavirus, the country is experiencing an unfortunate side effect. There was a sudden increase in the number of divorces. Though not directly caused by the coronavirus, the extended periods of togetherness and feelings of isolation have pushed already strained relationships to the brink. Seeking a divorce during the lockdown has made the process of divorce a bit more challenging, though not impossible. It also means that there will be some additional hurdles to finalizing the divorce. However, your attorney can help you with every step of the process.
Increased Stress
According to articles by the Wall Street Journal and, frankly, most other major news sources, divorce rates have skyrocketed this year during the coronavirus pandemic. Relationship experts have concluded that the lockdowns are to blame. A previously observed statistic shows that divorce rates go up after summer break or winter holidays. This is likely brought on by the increased time spent together acting like a pressure cooker on relationships. If the relationship was already experiencing strain, the extra time together can turn the strain into a fracture. In a manner akin to “kick the dog” syndrome, a spouse, or whomever else is in the household, makes for an easy target for pent up aggression or other strong emotions that are brought on by stress. In an already tenuous relationship, a spouse who is constantly the target for those emotions can find the situation unbearable.
Not only is the marriage suffering from increased togetherness. Additionally, people have increased stress over everyday life compounding the situation. Many people are struggling through job loss, schooling their children, and working from home. In addition to overall stress of trying to make ends meet, all while trying to avoid a potentially fatal disease.
Preventative Measures
So how can you avoid becoming a statistic? Here are a few things you can do to help prevent a divorce.
Take A Moment
Remember that decisions made during times of strong emotion are clouded by the emotion. What this means is that you should wait until you are able to calm down and get out of the stressful situation before making any potentially life-altering decisions. You do not want to go through the whole divorce process then find yourself regretting the decision because your thoughts were clouded by stress and worry and other strong emotions. This does not mean that no one should get a divorce. If you are in an unsafe situation or the relationship is beyond redeeming even after the smoke clears, then do what you need to do to get free and protect yourself.
Evaluate Your Expectations
Oftentimes, the disappointment felt in a situation or relationship is due to unmet expectations. Whether you realize it or not, you have gone into a relationship with certain expectations that have not been met. Sometimes having a hard conversation with your spouse about what your expectations are versus what their expectations are can help to resolve some of the conflict in the marriage. Be honest with yourself and with your spouse. Determine which expectations are reasonable and can be met and which expectations you can let go of. If there is still no resolution, then it may be time for a divorce.
In Conclusion
When all else fails, remember that you are not alone. There are many who are walking through similar struggles to you right now. This pandemic is a unique situation that has forced many people to make changes and sacrifices that they never dreamed of making. But if the time has come for you to look into a divorce, contact Thompson Law today to find an attorney who can help you.