Has Quarantine Ruined Your Marriage?
If you feel your marriage has suffered irreparable damage during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. In China, divorce applications soared after lockdown ended in March. Many family law experts in the U.S. expect a similar rise—and some lawyers say they’re already seeing it.
Being stuck together 24/7 can test even the strongest relationships. Behaviors you normally overlook may become intolerable. If your marriage was already struggling, it can feel like quarantine ruined everything.
Questions to Ask Before Filing for Divorce
Before making the decision to divorce, consider these key questions:
1. Have you tried to work out your problems?
Many couples have avoided divorce by attending marriage counseling. Even while stuck at home, therapy—often available via Zoom—can help address issues and clarify whether divorce is truly the best option.
2. Are you prepared for financial stress?
Divorce can significantly impact finances, especially repeatedly shown for women and mothers. Children may also be affected if parents’ finances weaken. Understand your family’s finances, create a realistic post-divorce budget, and consult a divorce lawyer or accountant to see what assets you may be entitled to.
3. Do you have a realistic view of life after divorce?
You might imagine freedom and happiness, but reality can be different. Financial conditions, emotional support, and other factors may make the transition longer and harder than expected. Consider how quarantine may have intensified your feelings and whether these challenges will persist after restrictions lift. In some cases, the feeling that quarantine ruined your marriage may lessen once life returns to normal.
Seek Professional Guidance
Marriage requires effort, and divorce is not a simple solution. If you’ve seriously considered these questions and still feel divorce is the right step—or are unsure—consult a qualified divorce lawyer. A good lawyer can provide perspective and help you make informed decisions.
