Can You Get a Divorce During COVID?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many things into sharp focus. Some couples have thrived with extra family time, and others have found out just how incompatible they are. If you want to get a divorce during COVID, the process is possible. Our attorneys at Rech Law, P.C. can help take care of you online and over the phone, and North Carolina courts have certainly adapted.

That being said, the process will look a little different, and there are many factors you may want to keep in mind if you are quarantined with a soon-to-be-ex or plan on sharing custody with your former spouse.

How the Virtual Divorce Process Works

Although processes and professionals took a moment to adapt, and most states are facing a backlog of divorce and child custody cases, legal meetings and court hearings are largely taking place over Zoom and other video-calling platforms. Similarly, many courts are accepting online filings, and all sorts of family law professionals can gather relatively easily using secure video-conferencing services.

Do-it-yourself divorces are also on the rise, but we recommend speaking to an attorney before initiating a “pro se divorce,” especially considering the complex issues that may be at play.

Childcare and Custody During COVID

With school closures and a lack of options for childcare, many families are struggling to care for their kids — even while working together and living in the same house. Families who already live in more than one household have also been renegotiating parenting time, and couples that are considering divorce will need to consider factors like virtual school, healthcare, work flexibility, and travel, as well.

When will your child go back to school? Who will your child stay with? Where will your child live and attend virtual classes? How will things work if one parent gets COVID or needs to quarantine? Are low-risk gatherings and vacations okay, or should kids stay at home? These are all factors you will need to consider while making a custody arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, a divorce attorney can guide you through the process and help you and your ex work out an arrangement that benefits your children. While North Carolina has largely favored existing child custody agreements, we can also help you make a change if circumstances have changed.

Finances and Living Situations

Getting a divorce while stuck at home can create issues when it comes to the family home. Finding privacy to talk to your attorney may be a challenge, but so can determining who gets the house and whether or not to sell. Additionally, it may be hard for one spouse to move out if they are facing financial instability due to the pandemic, and securing a place without in-person home and rental tours could prove difficult, as well.

Calculating alimony and child support can also be unreliable during this time, as the financial impact of the pandemic may not reflect what your life will look like once the economy has recovered. Some couples want to ensure their arrangements can be modified with changing circumstances, and others simply want to wait until things are “back to normal” to make a financial decision like divorcing their spouse.

Should You Get a Divorce During COVID?

Just because you can get a divorce during COVID does not mean that you should, but the only person who can decide whether or not the time is right for divorce is you. If you are considering divorce, it never hurts to speak to an attorney.

At Rech Law, P.C., we are always here to discuss your legal options, and if you choose to file for divorce, we can help you move forward.

All you need to do is call us at (704) 659-0007 or contact us online for a safe, confidential consultation.