Nearly One in Ten Partnered People in American Say They Are Very Likely to Separate Due to the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted numerous areas of our lives for months. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a quick end to the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused over 184,000 deaths in the United States as of September 2, 2020. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States as of that date totaled more than six million cases. The coronavirus numbers continue to increase each day.
Additionally, the economy continues to struggle from stay-at-home orders and mandatory shutdowns. Millions of people continue to file for unemployment benefits each week because they are unable to return to work or find work during the pandemic. Schools remain closed as parents and students continue to try to deal with remote learning.
As Americans continue to deal with the day-to-day impact of a global pandemic, other impacts of the coronavirus are beginning to surface. An overlooked impact that the virus is having on Americans is in their personal relationships with their partners.
The forced isolation from social distancing is causing some partners to grow closer. However, other couples report that the pandemic has caused their relationship to deteriorate.
Relationships During the Coronavirus Pandemic
A recent poll of couples in the United States reveals some interesting details. Some couples report that the coronavirus pandemic has brought them closer as a couple. However, a percentage of couples state that they are likely to end the relationship because of the virus.
About 71 percent of couples who are not married said that their relationship had become more serious during the pandemic. That is about a 30 percent increase since May.
Fighting and arguments did not increase substantially from numbers in May. About 30 percent of the individuals polled said they felt more annoyed with their partner than usual. Only 22 percent reported fighting or arguing more than usual with their spouse or partner.
However, some couples report that they will likely end the relationship in part because of issues related to the pandemic. About nine percent of the people polled said they were likely to separate. However, 27 percent of respondents said they knew couples who were likely to separate or divorce because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Outside Versus Inside Stressors on a Relationship
There are many outside stressors right now for couples. Financial and health concerns being the top two concerns in relationships. Couples with children also have the added stress of dealing with children who cannot go to school or enjoy activities outside of the home.
Emotional and mental problems are also issues that many people are struggling with because of the coronavirus pandemic. As people worry about the various issues and stressors, they can become depressed, anxious, and moody. All of these factors place additional stress on a relationship.
If the relationship had problems before the pandemic, the issues related to COVID-19 are likely to intensify those problems. Being isolated from family, friends, and other sources of support can also add to the problem.
Some individuals may realize that their joy and happiness came from things outside of their relationship. They may have found joy and fulfillment in their careers or relationships with friends. Being isolated at home with a partner for several months could force a person to deal with that reality.
Separating During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Unfortunately, it may be difficult to separate during a pandemic. Getting a divorce during COVID-19 can have severe financial consequences for both parties.
Because of the financial problems caused by the pandemic, parties may not have the resources to pay spousal support and child support payments. It may be challenging to support one household during the pandemic, so it may be impossible to support two households.
Child custody is another issue during the pandemic. Many parents find it challenging to handle the demands of caring for children who must remain at home because of COVID-19 when there are two parents in the home. A single parent may not have the support that would usually be available because of the restrictions related to the pandemic.
Should I See a Divorce Lawyer During the Pandemic?
If you are contemplating leaving your spouse or domestic partner, it can be wise to speak with a divorce lawyer before you take any actions. Many issues can complicate a divorce proceeding. However, COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity to many divorce cases.
A divorce attorney can help you identify your goals and needs. Together, you can create a strategy that protects your best interests and the best interests of your child. The first step is to learn about your legal rights from a trusted family law attorney.