Will the U.S. See its Divorce Rate Spike After the COVID-19 Quarantine Ends?

47 East Grove Street | Middleborough, Massachusetts 02346

CALL US 508-923-7207 800-640-2889

With so many American residents stuck at home with their families, prognosticators have predicted that several months down the road, the country could experience a baby boom and a divorce deluge. Unlike a cozy blizzard that keeps you home from work for a few days, a global pandemic that triggers shelter-in-place orders spreading over multiple months might result in more breakups than babies.

In sections of China, quarantines that lasted two months had many couples racing to divorce attorneys’ doors once the restrictions were lifted. The situation could have motivated spouses to make a move for several different reasons, such as:

Spending too much time together — If absence makes the heart grow fonder and familiarity breeds contempt, perhaps some couples broke up because they were forced to spend nearly all of their time together for weeks on end. This might even be more of a problem in China where typical residences are smaller. Without all of the distractions usually provided by everyday life, some Americans might also choose to move on if the enforced closeness led to a partner getting on their nerves.
Realizing that there’s no time like the present — A harrowing experience frequently prompts people to evaluate where their life is headed and question if significant changes would make them happier.
Worries about money — Regardless of whether a pandemic has led to financial chaos or families are dealing with the regular bills, battles over money can rip a couple apart. Tensions could be heightened by unemployment, furloughs or reduced business traffic.

No one can be sure what part of the spike in China’s divorce rate stemmed from the coronavirus and what part reflects pent-up demand after a long period of closures and exposure fears. Time will tell what will happen in the United States, but if you are looking to end your marriage, you should consult with an experienced divorce lawyer promptly. Seeking advice now can help you avoid mistakes that could hurt you in decisions relating to property division, alimony, custody and child support. Eventually the quarantine will end and you will be able to leave the house, and, if you need to, your marriage.

Contact an experienced divorce lawyer to schedule an appointment

The Studley Law Offices assists spouses at every stage of the marriage dissolution process. For a consultation, please call 508-923-7207 or contact the firm online.

By John E. Studley Jr. | Published May 19, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged COVID-19, divorce, family law

CLIENT REVIEWS & TESTIMONIAL HIGHLIGHTS

"John Studley helped me thru a very difficult time in my life. He explained everything to me and made me feel independent in my decisions. He got me more than I expected. Thanks to You and your team." - Diane - December 9, 2016
"I completely agree with a prior reviewer...a complete class act! He is highly efficient, extremely knowledgeable, personable, totally professional, highly successful and very entertaining. I have dealt with Atty. Studley on a few matters over the course of 12 years and he (and his staff!) have consistently provided the time and means to successfully litigate my cases/issues. I was fortunate enough that he was referred to me and I have had absolutely no regrets. If you're looking for the best, he's the person to hire." - L - December 1, 2016
"Posted by Michelle September 16, 2015 John Studley is a true class act. I have been a client of his since 2008. He puts the needs of the child first and foremost. He is direct and honest with his clients in a compassionate manner. I would highly recommend Studley Law Offices. I have great faith in John, Sandy and the rest of the team and I remain truly greatful for all of their hard work." - Michelle - September 16, 2015
"Attorney Studley and his staff are exceptional! They all are very professional, courteous, efficient and empathetic for our case. Attorney Studley knew the "ins and outs" of the laws and was able to implement them in our case. He was always available to us in a timely manner. He explained various situations and avenues we needed to explore. He provided us with the information we needed to move forward in our case. Attorney Studley was always prepared for any situation in court. He even had copies of documents that the judge did not have available to him during court proceedings. We have already recommended him to a fellow grandparent and would do so again." - Bev - August 31, 2015
"John Studley is very professional. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. He kept me informed by promptly responding to my emails and phone calls." - Roger - January 31, 2015
"John and his staff were very professional from the beginning. He is very persistent and thorough. My case took over a year to settle but his staff had to do a lot of research. They constantly kept me in the loop as to how the case was progressing. I would not hesitate to use his services again." - Ron - August 21, 2014
"John helped my family in a difficult child custody case. His excellent work was instrumental in saving my granddaughters from ongoing physical and mental abuse." - Tom - August 12, 2014
"This was my first experience dealing with a lawyer. I found John Studley to be very professional in dealing with my case. He explained everything to me in detail and his knowledge of the law reassured me that my case was justified. I had complete trust in him as he was confident and I would highly recommend him to any person in need a lawyer. John dealt with my personal injury case. He set up appointments with Doctors, Neurologists and Physical therapists for me. He and his team were very responsive in returning my phone calls and communicated all correspondence in this matter. He showed a compassion for my health and well being during a difficult time in my life. He was instrumental in facilitating a fair settlement in my case." - Brian - February 21, 2014
"John Studley has been my attorney for over 20 years and has never disappointed me. He is, in my opinion the best lawyer you could have. Rest assured that if you have Attorney Studley for your lawyer he will definitelyl do the best that he can do for you. He definitely is a cut above the rest..." - Edna - February 11, 2014