How to Navigate Divorce Among the COVID-19 Pandemic
As many households follow stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has swept across the country, many couples are also realizing that they cannot continue in their current marital relationship. Additionally, couples who are currently going through their divorce proceedings may feel as though the process has been halted due to the health crisis.
Keep reading for advice from our family attorneys at Family Law Solutions of Iowa on how splitting spouses can navigate this difficult time.
1. Discuss Your Plan
If you are still living under the same roof as your spouse, you may decide that now is the time to speak about your relationship with each other. If you’ve both come to terms and agreed that your marriage is over, you may want to also discuss other matters, such as your marital assets and what child custody or child support agreements would realistically look like.
If you agree on these terms, you can present them to your lawyers to start drafting paperwork. Courthouses remain open to receive filings and divorce complaints. This can also prevent having to appear in court after many of the social distancing orders are removed. As of May 18, clerk’s offices in the state of Iowa will continue their current policies for public access and staffing. If you need to access the clerk’s office for emergency and essential matters, you can contact the clerk of the court’s office first so that you are informed on these procedures beforehand.
2. Locate Necessary Documentation
With most businesses, restaurants, and other venues closed due to the pandemic, there’s more time at home to spend tidying your paperwork and finding any documents you may need if you choose to file a divorce or continue your preexisting divorce proceedings. Take advantage of this time to locate important financial papers:
- Tax returns
- Income statements and information
- Retirement documents
- Appraisals for any property your jointly own
- Insurance paperwork
Spending the time looking for this paperwork now will make the divorce process easier for everyone involved, without the stress of finding them later on. These papers can also help give you clarity as to how your marital assets will be split upon divorce.
3. Address Your Children's Needs
If you’re facing a divorce as a parent, it’s important to remember that caring for your children should come before any divorce proceedings. It can be difficult to discuss the aspect of divorce with your children, let alone deciding on child support and custody agreements. Remember that your child relies on you and that you will need to continue co-parenting with your ex-spouse after you’ve separated.
4. Seek Out Legal a Consultation
Apart from the COVID-19 outbreak, filing for divorce is a difficult time. Having the advice of an experienced family law attorney is the best way to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you feel that you need to speak to a lawyer regarding your divorce, know that there are still options for you during this unprecedented time.
Although in-person meetings may not be a reality currently, our attorneys are currently taking over-the-phone consultations to assist our Family Law Solutions of Iowa clients. Even after just a consultation, you should have enough information to decide what you have to do next.
Divorce Process Assistance in Des Moines, IA
No matter how difficult your situation may be, our attorneys at Family Law Solutions of Iowa have the experience and knowledge required to help you successfully navigate yourdivorce proceedings during the COVID-19 outbreak and after. With unmatched legal support, you can be confident that by hiring a divorce attorney at Family Law Solutions of Iowa, your divorce will be handled professionally. Contact us for compassionate representation and to schedule a consultation.
