How COVID-19 Can Impact Your Divorce
If you're considering divorce, the current state of the world may have a big impact on moving forward with this legal process. Here is what to know about how COVID-19 can impact a divorce.
Dealing With Moving Out
You may find it difficult to live in the same home as your spouse once the divorce proceedings have started. If you decide to move out, it is important to do things in a safe way that does not increase your risk of catching COVID-19. Instead of staying with family or friends, it may be best to get your own apartment so that you are not in a shared space. This can make it much easier to have children visit during separation and not worry about their safety when traveling between homes.
Accessing The Courts
The courts are opening up and allowing people to move forward with the divorce process. If your area does not have the physical courthouse open, many courts are moving to do things online. You should be able to have all the necessary hearings in front of a judge from the safety of your home, so accessing the courts should not be an issue.
Dealing With Spousal And Child Support
It can be difficult to figure out support payments at this time, especially if one or both parents have lost their job. Know that the steps will be taken to ensure that it is fair for everyone involved. If you are currently unemployed during this pandemic, know that your income will be looked at historically to determine what your future support payments will be after you get a new job or your furlough ends.
If you currently have a job and are worried about making support payments in the future if you were to lose your job, know that there is a way to modify support payments if that were to happen. You will need to file paperwork for a support payment modification as soon as the job loss happens so that the court can make the necessary adjustments. It won't happen automatically after losing your job, so notifying the court is crucial.
Dealing with a divorce during the current pandemic can be tough, but it is still possible to get it done. Reach out to a local divorce lawyer for assistance going through the process, since they can help ensure that everything is done correctly and get your divorce finalized.