Family lawyers brace for increase in divorces after coronavirus isolation

Being forced to spend 24/7 with a spouse you have little in common with is a recipe for divorce. Family lawyers are preparing for a wave of separations following isolation.

DIVORCES on the Gold Coast are tipped to skyrocket after coronavirus isolation ends due to couples being forced to spend 24/7 together.

Issues like finances, stress and poor communication could compound and put pressure on already strained relationships according to lawyers who anticipated a rise in marriage bustups.

Fedorov Family Lawyers director Marie Fedorov, who specialises in family law, said many couples were about to realise “they had little in common”.
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Marie Federov, Director of Fedorov Family Lawyers said there will be an increase of divorces after isolation.

“There are many unhappy couples out there living together either for the sake of their children, because they fear change and for financial and security reasons,” she said.

“Some people are like ships in the night so don’t really spend too much time together so they can tolerate one another in small doses.”

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She said isolation for some meant losing jobs, being stood down or transitioning to a work from home arrangement resulting in both people in a relationship being at home 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Throw home schooling into the mix and not being able to have a break and socialise with your friends and we are going to have a lot of unhappy people causing pressure on relationships,” she said.

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Ms Fedorov already saw an increase in people consulting her about a separation prior to the isolation so they were not forced to spend time with someone they no longer got along with.

“Some people were wanting to exit relationships before potential lock downs,” she said.

“Isolation not only means being isolated together but also means being isolated away from your family and friends.
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“Often these people are the support network that helps one to get through issues that arise in a relationship.

“Without these support people, the isolation can lead to power imbalances and ultimately domestic violence and separation.”

Lawyer Marie Fedorov said many couples can only tolerate each other in small doses.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Susan Edwards from Burleigh Heads Psychology said stress during these uncertain times could lead to an increase in arguments and friction within a household.

“We are seeing increased anxiety and depression in so many people right now,” she said.

“With lots more time contained in our four walls at home, it really is the perfect storm for anxiety and depression to escalate,” she said.
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“Families confined inside for long periods, kids being off school, parents trying to work from home, increases in stress leading to increases in arguments and friction.

“It is taking it’s toll on so many.

“The number of people seeking help from domestic violence support services and social and counselling services have jumped.”