Has the Divorce Rate Increased During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

COVID-19 has seemingly impacted every aspect of our lives. Since the beginning of the crisis, many people have started working and attending school from home, chatting with friends and family over video instead of in person, and forgoing the group activities they once loved. Marriages haven’t been spared, either, as studies have shown that the divorce rate has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we examine some potential reasons for the increase.

Why Has the Divorce Rate Increased Since COVID?

Of course, many couples were headed for divorce long before there was ever any mention of a pandemic. With that being said, COVID-19 likely contributed to a higher divorce rate because:

• It forced couples to spend more time together – While spending more time with your significant other may sound like a great idea, the reality is that being forced to spend every minute with someone can put a strain on any relationship. Many people previously enjoyed going to work and engaging in hobbies outside the home, and COVID-19 made it difficult to find any alone time.
• It contributed to financial stress – Arguments about money have always been one of the leading causes of divorce, and for many couples, COVID-19 worsened their financial situation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people have lost their jobs and incurred additional medical expenses, leading to greater economic strain.
• It changed household responsibilities – When household duties aren’t evenly distributed, one spouse often ends up feeling resentful, and COVID-19 added a whole new set of responsibilities to grapple with. For example, couples with children had to decide which parent would oversee homeschooling. Likewise, couples who previously ate out all the time needed to figure out who would take care of ordering groceries, preparing meals, and cleaning up the kitchen afterward.

An Experienced Divorce Lawyer Near You

If you’re considering a divorce, you can turn to the skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A., for assistance. With offices in New Port Richey, FL, and Palm Harbor, FL, we proudly serve clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.