Divorce During COVID-19

The Coronavirus pandemic has turned life upside down in so many ways. If you and your spouse have decided to divorce during this uncertain time, we know how much additional stress you and your family are under.

Since there are so many factors at play in today’s climate, it’s important to weigh your options carefully and make sure you fully understand the effects of COVID-19 on the divorce process before moving forward. We at the Gucciardo Law Firm, PLLC are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have, while offering our advisement through this complex process.

COVID-19’s Impact on Law Practice

Hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country have been forced to temporarily close their doors due to COVID-19. This has forced most law firms to switch over to a work-from-home model, taking client meetings and consultations over the phone as well as through online video chat services.

This model may or may not work for you and your current situation, depending on the details of the divorce proceeding as well as your personal preferences.

Additionally, a more complex divorce filing may require court proceedings that are simply not an option during Stay Home Stay Safe orders. Local courts are only hearing urgent matters at this time, which excludes non-emergency custody disputes, parenting time arrangements and other family-related matters.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

The state of your relationship with your spouse makes a big difference in what your divorce proceedings will look like. Any children you may have together or complex distribution of assets will also play important roles. If you and your spouse are on the same page with the majority of your divorce conditions, you can save time and keep your costs relatively low with an uncontested divorce, while working around COVID-19 restrictions with relative ease. Many uncontested divorces require no court time at all.

However, if you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye on key decisions, you will be pursuing a contested divorce. Contested divorces require trial hearings in order to come to court-ordered decisions on important issues. Some common disputes include:

• child custody
• child support
• spousal support
• division of property
• spousal or child abuse

Family and spousal relationships are complicated, and some disagreement is common within a divorce. However, if you know that your divorce will require the mediation of a court, you may have to wait until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to move forward with your proceedings, unless your situation requires emergency court intervention.

Still Unsure What to Do Next?

COVID-19 cases are constantly fluctuating, as are the public responses to the pandemic itself. No one knows when the world will be completely back to normal.

If you’re still questioning whether or not to move forward with your divorce at this time, our attorneys at the Gucciardo Law Firm are here to help. Contact us to set up a free 30-minute video or phone consultation—we can provide you with expert advice on how best to tackle this strange and stressful phase of your life.