When the lockdown measures in China started to be relaxed it is reported that many couples then broke up or wanted a divorce so will the same effect happen in this country when we start to emerge from these very difficult and troubling times for everyone?
In the past when pension values have gone down substantially because of world events or other external factors the rate of divorce has actually reduced. The reason being that people felt that they could not afford to split up or even that there was less of a "pot" to be divided. Adversity often brings people together but is that the right basis for a long-term relationship staying together?
The lockdown is clearly bringing huge pressure on everyone. Realistically some relationships have remained intact because of the distance that there has been between the partners or spouses. All of a sudden there is no distance and people are having to be together 24/7. In more "normal" times the rate of divorce and relationship breakdown has been greater following summer holidays or after a Christmas break partly because of the increased pressure that these type of extended periods together can bring on relationships. If a relationship is already in difficulties this could be the final straw.
Add into the equation that the online divorce option is now available and for married couples it is relatively straightforward to start a divorce. We are currently still using the old 1973 legislation based on one party blaming the other although in the near future that is still planned to be changed to "no fault" divorce.
Perhaps the most worrying effect may be that on unmarried couples. Despite all of the publicity and information against this there is still the urban myth that a "common law husband or wife" has rights. This is not the case but it does not stop people thinking it does. If the lockdown causes pressure on an unmarried couple the risk is greater for individuals that even if they have children they are going to be treated very differently than if they had been married and then had a divorce. Is that fair? That is another one of the long-term society changes that will need to be looked at when we get back to a "new normal".
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*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or other professional advice.
