From self-help online divorce agreements, requests to the attorney to start divorce proceedings to insurance payouts following divorce, the pandemic led to a sharp spike in divorces in the U.S.

As per new data, the number of people who were looking for a divorce in 2020 was 34 percent higher as compared to 2019.

Here is a deep dive into the reasons that led to the sharp rise in divorces during the pandemic:

Disillusionment phase

One of the theories that seek to explain the high rates of divorce during the pandemic relates to the 'disillusionment phase' that many people stepped into. This is the phase when optimism dips, discouragement rises, negative reactions occur and stress heightens.

As work from home became mandatory and travel was limited, families were forced to be together more than ever before. For those who were struggling with their relationships even before the pandemic, being together all the time probably increased tension. Some couples realized they don't really have much in common and might be happier being apart from each other.

Some couples also consulted a divorce law firm stating that their differences became magnified during the pandemic. Being stuck together meant they could not recharge the way they typically did whether meeting friends, travelling, engaging in hobbies or being outdoors.

Financial strain

Pandemic-related stressors such as quarantine, loss of job, death or illness of loved ones, financial strain, homeschooling children as well as mental illnesses impacted relationships and marriages. Data shows that newlyweds were impacted the hardest during the pandemic with many consulting the most reputed attorney for divorce in Miami. Those who have not been married for long may find it difficult to cope with the new challenges that the pandemic brought while still trying to settle into their marriage.

In fact, according to an estimate, 20 percent of those who filed for divorce after consulting an attorney for divorce were married for five months or even less.

According to an AFS (American Family Survey) survey of 3000 people across the country, 34 percent of married people below the age of 55 reported that COVID-19 increased stress levels in their marriage. Stress was highest for those who were financially impacted by the pandemic. Close to half (45 percent) of those whose finances worsened, said that their marriage faced new stresses.

Experts believe that when people experience greater stress from external sources to their relationship, they find it difficult to engage in problem-solving and end up taking the stress out on each other. In rare cases, these tensions can lead to domestic violence.

Mental health and divorce rates: Is there a link?

The number of people who reported symptoms of depression jumped significantly during the pandemic. The U.S. Census Bureau found that over 42 percent of survey participants said they had symptoms of depression or anxiety in December of 2020. In the same month of the previous year (2019), 11 percent had reported anxiety or depression symptoms.

Throughout the pandemic, income or job loss that people experienced impacted their mental health. Adults who lost a job during the pandemic reported higher levels of depression and anxiety as compared to those who did not lose their jobs. The KFF Health Tracking Poll of 2020 shows that households with job or income loss reported that worry over coronavirus impacted their mental health negatively. In addition to stress, people who had job loss experienced difficulty eating or sleeping, increased substance or alcohol use, and a worsening chronic condition.

While depression by itself does not lead directly to divorce, not addressing these mental health issues can have a domino effect on the relationship. A large body of research indicates that depression and relationships are intricately linked. While depression impacts the quality of relationships, relationship issues can influence the level of depression.

Being worried, stressed, or depressed can cause a spouse to pay less attention to their partner, be more irritable, be less involved, or have trouble communicating.

Consulting an attorney for divorce

Ending a relationship is never easy and carries with it huge emotional, mental, social, and financial repercussions. There are multiple factors to consider, particularly when there are children involved, relating to child custody, support, and parenting issues.

An experienced attorney for divorce at Benjamin & Melmer, LLC, a reputed divorce law firm, can help you achieve a healthy, amicable divorce when it is the only option left. Right from educating you on the process, mediating to ensuring your rights are protected, a top-rated attorney for divorce can help make the divorce process as smooth as possible.

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