FILING FOR DIVORCE AMID CORONA VIRUS
On behalf of Lasiter & Jackson posted in
on Thursday, April 16, 2020
Recently, the world has drastically changed due to
COVID-19. We are all learning to navigate a new way of life that involves
social distancing. However, families
still need legal help. Many clients have
asked us how COVID-19 will affect their divorce cases. The most frequently asked question is: I need
to file for divorce – can or should I do that during the pandemic?
Here is what is happening:
- Divorce rates will increase. With social
distancing governing day-to-day lives, and with families living 24/7 in close
quarters, we will see a major increase in divorce filings. Historically, divorce rates have increased
during worldwide crises and this will be no different.
- Filing
for divorce now will get you ahead of a court backlog. Simultaneously, to
practice social distancing, courts are limiting the number of hearings taking
place. Because of these restrictions,
there will be a backlog of divorce matters in queue. If you know you want to be divorced in the
coming year, now is the time to file. Beating the backlog will increase your
likelihood of getting divorced in 2020!
- Filing
for divorce now will protect your financial liability. According to Arizona
law, your marital community and its’ associated assets and debts exists from
the date of marriage to the date of service of a divorce petition to the other
party. What does that mean for you? If
you file for divorce now, your liability for your spouse’s financial choices
will terminate once they have been served with divorce papers. With the uncertain nature of our economy,
filing for divorce may be crucial for protecting you from bad or poor financial
behavior and choices of your soon-to-be ex.
If you’re considering or
currently going through a divorce, contact the attorneys at LASITER &
JACKSON by calling our office at 602-234-5900 to schedule your FREE 30 minute
consultation. We remain fully operational while practicing appropriate social
distancing and cleaning regimes.
Tags: COVID-19, divorce