COVID-19 restrictions, including so-called “lockdowns,” have had a marked effect on families throughout the country. Sharing closed quarters for extended periods of time is something most families simply aren't used to doing, and although for some it has created an incredible opportunity for bonding experiences, for others, it has had much more stressful — and sometimes downright dangerous — results.

Even if family conflicts abound in your house, please know you're not alone, and you do have options.

Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, domestic violence rates have skyrocketed across the world during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes, wrote United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Twitter. “I urge all governments to put women's safety first as they respond to the pandemic.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to one or more of the domestic violence agencies in Rhode Island. If you need legal help to protect you from your partner, you may want to read more about restraining orders and the process for obtaining one.

For legal advice related to domestic violence, please reach out to our offices for a consultation.

Divorce

Aside from physically sharing the same space, married couples are also having to deal with many issues they've never had to handle before such as whether they feel it's safe to go to family gatherings, stores, or restaurants. Many predict there will be a divorce surge because of COVID-19 lockdowns, but we will just have to wait and see how things turn out.

To handle marital issues before taking the huge step of filing for divorce, you may consider therapy — family, couples, and/or individual. Many issues that on the surface appear to be coronavirus-related could actually have much deeper roots that could lead to much more pronounced reactions because of the “heightened state” of emotions, as family therapist Helen Park of Manhattan's Ackerman Institute for the Family told USA Today.

If you need legal advice related to family law matters during this trying time, please don't hesitate to contact Inman & Tourgee online or call (401) 823-9200 to discuss your options.