5 Critical Issues for Couples Separating or Divorcing During COVID-19
Couples separating or divorcing experience more stress and anxiety than intact families during regular life, so imagine the added pressures during the extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic. Family members are likely to undergo additional bouts of depression and heightened fears about their physical health, mental health, and economic prospects. With so much unpredictability, it seems impossible to make a practical and knowledgeable plan for separating or divorcing. Here are 5 critical tips on how you can navigate your family issues during this unprecedented time.
1. Make a Temporary Parenting Plan- Almost everyone’s work and childcare schedules have changed drastically since the COVID-19 outbreak. Schools are closed forcing children to take their classes online at home, requiring some parents to supervise the learning process for their younger kids. Some businesses that are deemed non-essential are not able to operate in an online format, causing layoffs or furlough’s and lost wages. No one knows how long these closures and restrictions will last. It is prudent to come up with a temporary parenting plan that makes the most sense for your individual family situation. If you are having a difficult time agreeing on a plan with your spouse or former partner, you can retain a family mediator to assist you in the process. This may be preferable to using the backlogged court system during COVID-19, as it is operating under limited capacity, and may not consider new matters it deems “non-essential.” Many mediators can work with their clients through online conferencing sessions to create interim agreements of this nature.
2. Analyze Changes to Your Finances and Budget- In many families, COVID-19 is causing financial distress. Small business owners are likely experiencing a downturn in their businesses, and hourly employees or contract employees may be working less frequently or not at all. If you are facing a reduction in your income, that may affect your ability to make child support or spousal support payments at the rate that you paid before the COVID-19 crisis. If you previously agreed to pay a set weekly or monthly amount in mediation or were ordered to pay child support or spousal support via court order, you might want to engage an expert concerning modification of those terms. If you aren’t certain what you can afford to pay in the wake of COVID-19, there are budget worksheets and information you can obtain from professionals in the divorce field. Financial professionals may also be able to help you find grants, forgivable loans, and other financial benefits available to you in your individual situation.
3. Review Your Asset Values- Cars, businesses, real estate, and retirement accounts are just a few examples of valuable assets that may have been acquired during your marriage. With the current instability in the economy, many of these marital assets may have decreased in worth. If you haven’t divorced yet and are in the process of separating, you may want to wait until the economy stabilizes a bit before determining the fair market value of the assets for purposes of splitting them equitably. In many cases, the value today is likely to be less than what it would be after the economy is rejuvenated. If you simply can’t wait, you may fare better by splitting some of the assets in terms of percentages instead of assigning dollar values. Before making any final decision on asset splitting, seek the help of appraisers or other experts to get a sense of your current “net worth” and consider their recommended courses of action. A consultation with an attorney or divorce mediator can provide insight into your personal situation about what may be a pragmatic strategy for determining an equitable distribution in your case.
4. Find Outlets for Maintaining Good Mental Health and Well-Being: You and your children should try to stay as connected as possible to friends and other family members. Do “Facetime” calls and group texts or share funny memes, jokes, or videos that can all ease the tension. Get recommendations for good Netflix/TV series, books, or Podcasts to immerse yourself in during your free time as a mental escape. Go for walks or runs (with your masks on) to get fresh air and keep active and fit, as exercise is beneficial for your mind as well as your body. On rainy days, do an online workout, or try a meditation class to clear your head.
5. Think Positively Towards the Future- All of this will eventually pass; the kids will be back in school, the economy will improve, and you will enjoy more physical freedom and emotional stability. In in the meanwhile, stay safe and healthy, and turn to professionals like divorce mediators and attorneys who can help you manage any stressful family situations you are undergoing.
Yes, I am an attorney, but I’m not your attorney and this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. This article is legal information and should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney regarding your situation before you rely on this information.