Anyone who says the past year has been easy is probably lying. With a global pandemic, mask mandates, travel restrictions, and quarantines, we’ve all been feeling the strain. And for couples, the affects of COVID-19 on marriages have been detrimental. Unsurprisingly, 2020 and 2021 have also seen a tidal wave of divorces in the wake of the pandemic. Let’s take a closer look at why.
The Affects of COVID-19 on Marriage
Unprecedented Stress
According to Legal Templates, the divorce rate from March to June of 2020 was 34% higher than the same period in 2019.
Financial strain, close proximity, feelings of loss of self, illnesses both mental and physical: all of these things have been heightened this past year, and all of them have put incredible strain of relationships and families. As many as 31% of couples admit that their relationships have suffered irreparable damage due to lockdowns.
Being in tight quarters with anyone can wear on nerves. When it’s constant, with children being homeschooled, Zoom meets cutting out, and bad or concealed habits suddenly coming to the forefront, it can become unbearable.
Introspection
It makes sense why such an unprecedented, stressful, and confusing time would lead to relationship strain. In addition to stress, this past year has forced many of us to take a good, long look in the mirror and reflect on what we’re doing with our lives. With normal life stripped away and with mortality put to the forefront, many people have found themselves realizing that the place they’re in (and the person they’re with) isn’t where they want to be. Family attorney Alton Abramowitz notes:
People are reexamining their lives, and thinking, ‘Is this the way I want to live for the next ten, 15, 30 years?’
And for those who have realized that the answer is no, divorce has become the best and only option to move on with their lives.
Who is Affected
COVID-19 has had a sweeping affect on marriages across the board. The affects of COVID-19 on marriages are universal for all marriages. However, how severe damages the affects of COVID-19 on marriages were depends on several factors, such as how long a couple has been together and financial pressure. For example, newlyweds have been hardest hit by the pandemic, with 20% of all divorces the past year have been couples married in 2020. Interestingly, couples in southern states were 2-3x more likely to get a divorce this past year than couples in other states. Some believe this is because of the high likelihood in layoffs in the leading industries in those states, which could result in financial hardship and added stress.
The affects of COVID-19 on marriage can be irreparable. If you’ve realized this past year that the relationship you’re in isn’t the one for you, we’re here to help. The Narrows Law Group specializes in family law and divorce proceedings. If you’re looking for knowledgable, helpful representation you can trust, give us a call today.