The coronavirus pandemic has proved a stressor on many facets of life, with marriages nationwide being no exception.
According to a report by Legal Templates, March to June saw a 34 percent uptick in the number of individuals seeking divorce. The report states, “Thirty-one percent of the couples say the lockdown irreparably damaged their relationship.”
On April 13, 2020, just 15-20 days into many states’ official quarantines, there was a 57 percent increase in couples seeking separation, when compared to February 13, 2020.
The report by Legal Templates additionally revealed:
The pandemic most frequently drove newlyweds to seek divorce
• 58 percent of individuals requesting legal documents for divorce during quarantine had been married for only 5 years or less. This was a 16 percent increase from 2019 numbers.
• Extremely recently married couples, who had been married for five months or less, faced the most destruction by the hands of Covid-19 quarantine. The number of recently married couples seeking divorce “doubled, from 11 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2020 during the Covid-19 quarantine.”
Southern states saw the highest divorce rates amid Covid-19 quarantine
• In southern states, the divorce rate was “two to three times higher” when compared to the rest of the United States.
• The Southern states with the highest rates of divorce were Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas. These states were simultaneously impacted most by the pandemic in general.
Rockford Divorce and Family Law Representation During the Pandemic
If these turbulent times have compelled you to seek a divorce, it is important to contact an experienced family law attorney. Illinois has unique divorce requirements, just as each state does. Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler, P.C. will help to interpret statutes, and advocate for your rights. During a time littered with financial and emotional obstacles, we grant your case individualized attention. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.