When COVID-19 hit the United States, most cities ordered stay-at-home mandates and closed restaurants. With no place to go, people sheltered at home as directed. This means unlimited and close contact with their significant other. While this is seen as a positive for some relationships, it’s a downfall for others. This is what lead to an increase in divorce.
COVID Increases Divorce
After spending months to weeks quarantined with a significant other, it was expected to be annoyed with the person. But what wasn’t expected was how many people wanted to divorce their partner after quarantine. Being in close quarters with their significant other led to a deeper evaluation of their relationship. And some didn’t like who was looking back at them.
We can look at China first since they were released from quarantine from their lockdown first. After China was released from its lockdown, there were record high numbers for divorce filings. Clerks struggled to keep up with processing a record number in a single day.
In America, there is almost a 50% chance that any marriage will end in separation or divorce. This number is only going to increase once courts can reopen. Some reasons for splitting up are money worries, boredom, lack of escape from each other, conflicts over kids or chores, and lack of exercise are some factors that cause divorce. And in quarantine, those issues are amplified if they already exist.
If you compare the pandemic to 9/11, the crisis will either bring them together or it gives them a harsh reality slap because they realize life is too short to settle or be unhappy. When faced with stress and uncertainty, strong relationships will survive. But what’s unique about divorce during a pandemic is the increase in challenges and a decrease in resources. This is the perfect formula for divorce.
The Study
On April 25th, 2020, Lee Wilson, a relationship coach in Tennessee, emailed 734 couples. The couples surveyed couples are either married or considered “serious”. During April, most of the world was quarantined in homes or had restrictions.
Almost a quarter said their relationship was unchanged. While almost half of the couples said quarantine helped their relationship. The opposing side, 31% said it harmed their relationship.
A Michigan family lawyer says at the beginning of the pandemic people would call to inquire about the divorce process. And in June, there has already been an increase in virtual filings and divorces. She expects the numbers to skyrocket once courts are actually open again.
Opportunities for Attorneys & Counselors?
Attorneys
For attorneys, since most courts are still not open, it would be great to post about alternatives. Promote mediation as a solution instead of divorce. Promote or partner with a counseling center that offers family or couples therapy. If people are wanting to divorce because of marital violence, work with a non-profit who can provide help. By trying to provide other solutions, you’re giving your followers value and alternatives to fix their problems now.
Counselors
As a counselor, post not only about the virtual services you can provide like therapy, but also valuable information. Information about how to handle stress and anxiety, how to meditate, how to unwind, or even how to talk to your partner are topics people are struggling with. Most people are in quarantine and living with their significant others or even just roommates, and it’s putting a strain on all relationships. If you provide valuable information on how to deal with these issues, your followers will value your company more.
There’s a lot of benefits of posting information more than just your business. When you provide your followers with information they can use and retain, they become loyal to your company.
If you need help creating content to post, contact us!
