Has Coronavirus Lockdown led to An Increase In Divorce?
One law firm said they had received a 40% increase in divorce enquiries during lockdown. The article suggests that couples are struggling spending so much time together and the additional stress of financial issues is making matters worse. Some people have lost their jobs, others are earning a lot less. Although you cannot get divorced in a hurry in this country unless there is an irretrievable breakdown. If you both just agree to part ways you have to wait two years for it to go through officially.
Naturally you might have a lot of questions around divorce and separation. If you do not feel like things are working out its best to get legal advice concerning your property, children, and finances. But its not a decision to be rushed into. Some of the pressure you are feeling as a couple might ease off as life returns to some kind of normal.
Apparently the most common cause of divorce is infidelity and arguing. In lockdown there should have been less opportunities for people to cheat. But arguing I would imagine increased considerably. My husband and I have had a few niggles, arguing about money or how to raise the kids. But we don’t stay cross at each other for very long.
Money Issues
We work as a team generally, keeping each other on the straight and narrow. But not everyone has the same financial outlook. We try to pay off bills as quick as possible so we are in a better position financially to weather the storm. Fortunately, when it comes to money, we have a similar outlook. Neither of us are big spenders unless its something we desperately need (like a new tumble dryer) or it enriches the life of our family (a day out or experience). I am not interested in following fashion or expensive jewellery. Also, I am quite happy for my husband to dye my hair rather than spend a small fortune in the salon. If one partner is spending lockdown ordering lots of expensive items and the other is counting the pennies, the problems will get worse.
Individual Identity
It’s important to keep your own interests for a relationship to thrive. But lockdown shrunk our worlds, our interests, and our social interactions. It was hard to be our own person anymore and express ourselves like we used too. Working from home, my life revolved around the boys and blogging. Whereas I was envious of my husband having a job with the NHS that meant he did see other people.
Children
In lockdown our children have needed so much more attention. Especially with home-schooling and making sure they are coping well with the change’s lockdown brought. It has left little time and energy for couples to focus on each other’s needs.
It’s important to try and keep the spark in your marriage as much as possible. But that’s been so difficult to do. Lockdown meant we didn’t have any one to look after our children, usually we would have date nights together or even a weekend away.
Compatibility
You might not have noticed how little you had in common when you had your own things you used to do. But when your locked at home together those differences become more noticeable.
Lockdown has definitely put a lot of extra pressure on relationships. But you can still find ways to make it work. If you argue more, learn to give each other space. Try going for a walk on your own to clear the air.
Sad /saddening. Though perhaps not for some. As it seems lawyers may be rubbing their hands together. Lawyers deal with divorce, they deal with many other aspects of law :- Such as Property ( house sales, etc), Power of Attorney, Guardianship ( in the past Next of Kin was sufficient , now we are told need for Power of Attorney, or Guardianship). Etc. Lawyers :- Self Employed.
Meanwhile the Care sector is poorly paid, can be short of staff, had to deal with Coronavirus Pandemic. Valuable to the Public. More of them are needed.
As you mention :- Perhaps in time some couples will reconsider and remain together. Somehow I hope that they find happiness. Children most certainly need to be considered. It seems in the long term it may be best for a couple to consider how to get through their split allowing each partner a life, children a quality of life which includes both parents if that is safe to do so. Living apart is likely to be more costly. Remember to factor in lawyers time / fees as part of a divorce.
Coronavirus / covid 19 has impacted on Social Life, Hobbies, etc :- Due to the need for Social Distancing measures. Perhaps with the Easing of the lockdown :- People will find ways to ease any stress that was caused by having to “Stay Home” during lockdown.
Quality of Life is Important for us all.
Finances have impacted on many. Meanwhile it is likely that more may have to face a downturn in their finances. With Businesses closing, job losses. Furlough to stop. Redundancies.
Lack of employment, lack of finances :- Impact on other aspects of life. Mental Health Services may have greater demand, though possibly not an increase in resources.
Divorces:- likely to need more housing.
I can understand why some work colleagues children chose law or accounting as careers. Perhaps that is where there are opportunities for employment, career, finances.
As happiness is something we s humans aim for, and we wonder which countries are the happiest. Perhaps we should consider employees, and where / which career are they happiest working in. As ideally ” Happy Ever After” is what is wished / hoped for at a Wedding / Marriage.