Firm partner Jacqueline Newman recently appeared on FOX 10’s Arizona Morning for National Divorce Day, talking divorce trends for 2021 and how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting couples nationwide. Ms. Newman offered tips and advice for anyone thinking about divorce during these chaotic and confusing times.
Attorney Newman mentioned five specific divorce trends to look for in 2021:
- Divorce rate expected to jump
- 50/50 parenting time will become more common
- More motions seeking relocation
- More disputes over parenting decisions
- Mediation and collaborative law
Noting that even though many couples may start to think about divorce during the holidays – especially this past year, with the pandemic giving people nothing but time – most don’t act on it until the spring. Ms. Newman explains that people simply don’t want to go through a divorce during the holidays; as she puts it, “Nobody wants a summons in their stocking.” However, once the new year is in sight, she noted, people begin reaching out to her office to learn more about the process. Then, around the spring, after they have educated themselves, divorce season kicks into high gear.
Ms. Newman stresses the importance of making an educated and informed decision about divorce, saying, “People should not get divorced unless they are absolutely sure. It is emotionally exhausting and financially exhausting. You need to make sure you are making an educated decision. Sometimes people come into my office and realize they are not ready to get divorced.”
She also predicts that the divorce rate will jump significantly when life once again normalizes after the pandemic, noting, “Now is not a great time to get divorced, not knowing what the world is going to look like.” Another issue she points out is that we may see also see a jump in child custody issues, especially regarding COVID-19 protocols and vaccine-related matters for children.
When asked about her recommendations for couples considering divorce, she reminds us that now is not only just a good time to take a deep look at your relationship, but to look for opportunities to strengthen it. But if you cannot, then become educated. Consult with an experienced divorce attorney, find out what divorce realistically looks like, and get ready for it.
As Ms. Newman says, “People throw the word ‘divorce’ around a lot, but it’s not a word to be taken lightly.”
The family law attorneys at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP offer strategic and dedicated counsel for divorce clients in and around New York. Our firm offers a variety of services to clients in New York City, Westchester, and Bergen County, New Jersey. Schedule your consultation today by calling (212) 466-6015 or reaching out to us through our contact form.