The pandemic has not been easy on couples. This is true from all perspectives; this is both economically and financially. Many have faced concerns about the uncertainty of their jobs, stress from unwell family members, and even trying to manage their children’s stress and online schooling. It is now a burden that is becoming much heavier due to the uncertainty – no one knows when it will end.
It is now apparent that the pandemic has affected many personal relationships too. Therapists and lawyers are starting to get a better understanding of the situation. Multiple factors are contributing to the increasing number of failed marriages and divorce and it is set to continue in the coming year.
The pandemic provides a perfect storm for some of the couples who are on lockdown. The social distancing protocols were laid down to make them spend even more time together than they would. This acts as a catalyst for breakups that might have already been on the cards.
The common reasons as to why people are increasingly divorcing have not changed. The pandemic has just brought more focus on what goes on domestically than it would ordinarily be. This is too much for some couples to manage, and many are calling off the relationship.
There has been a huge increase in the number of divorces compared to the previous year. In the United States alone, interest in divorce and separation skyrocketed by 34 percent where newly weds are often the ones to file it. Three weeks into quarantine and the number was quickly increasing. Over half of the divorce cases were from couples who had been married within the last five years.
Some unhappy but stable couples could function since they did not spend much time together before the pandemic. Many distractions included work hours, social gatherings, kids’ activities, and family obligations. Married couples could work while spending less time together.
These distractions provided attention from settling their state of marriage. With social isolation and stay-at-home orders, this has changed. It has become almost impossible for couples to ignore their relationships.
If the couple initially struggled with communication and support, the additional stress brought about by the pandemic accentuated pre-existing issues. These couples will struggle to engage with their partners and will not help their relationship in this difficult time.
In terms of finances, women are the most affected in divorce compared to men. This is usually the case, especially if they spend some time taking care of the children or elderly instead of going to work. Then again, research has also proven that children decline to attend college due to the negative financial effect of divorce. They are forced to adapt quickly and stand on their own. Some of the effects of divorce include:
- Drop-in household income
- Loss of retirement savings since the couple must divide the assets and pay off debts before the divorce
- Some financial liabilities can pop up, such as insurance costs and credit card debt
- The cost of getting a divorce is high and can leave you in a financial crisis
- Credit scores can drop, especially if your counterpart does not hold their share of the bargain
- The divorce will have a detrimental effect on the kids. Poor grades can reflect this in schools or even their day to day mood
As we come out of the pandemic, employers must maintain a renewed sense of empathy and support for their employees. We are all grieving the loss of life, the loss of a relationship, and the loss of time. As people are going back to the office and others are dealing with the breakdown of relationships, they depend on the organizations to provide support to continue to thrive in their professional setup.
Bottomline
Divorce is extraordinarily hectic, even in a calm environment. If you’re facing one, knowing the necessary steps to take can be essential. This includes knowing who to speak to and what you need to organize the help. You can get free advice from reputable institutions where you’ll be taken through the whole separation process and divorce checklist. These measures will make the whole separation process less stressful, time-consuming, and costly.
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