In contrast to popular belief at the beginning of the pandemic, it appears that COVID-19 restrictions did not lead to a significant increase in divorces nationwide.
Instead, the opposite has been observed. A study conducted by Bowling Green State University reveals that the actual number of divorces in 2020 was 630,505, which is 12% lower than the projected figure of 714,997 based on historical data.
This decline in divorces follows a downward trend in the overall number of divorces in the United States since 2011. The decrease in divorces in 2020 coincided with a 12% decline in marriages during the same period. Although these numbers are not directly linked because newly married couples are usually not the same ones getting divorced in the same year, there seems to be an identifiable trend.
A decrease in marriages is likely to result in fewer divorces. Despite initial concerns that the COVID-19 situation, with extended periods of confinement, would lead to a rise in divorce rates, many couples actually thrived in the situation, benefiting from reduced outside demands and increased quality time with their families.
One of the key factors contributing to the decrease in both marriages and divorces in 2020 is the lack of access. The pandemic imposed restrictions on gatherings and limited the availability of venues for marriages.
Similarly, access to courts for pursuing civil matters like divorce was heavily restricted or non-existent for the majority of 2020. Consequently, couples who intended to marry or divorce may have faced difficulties in doing so.
Washington State has also experienced a steady decline in divorce rates over the past few years, as reported by the Washington State Administrator of the Courts.
However, in 2021, there were 8,461 filings for dissolution with children and 11,198 without children, compared to 11,480 filings with children and 15,002 without children in 2018.
These figures indicate significant decreases of 26% and 25%, respectively, over a three-year period. Despite claims that domestic violence filings increased due to COVID-19, reports show that civil domestic violence filings in Washington State remained stable, with a slight decrease from 15,572 filings in 2018 to 11,558 in 2021, amounting to a 25.78% decrease.
In addition to the initial assumption that divorce rates would rise during the pandemic, there are numerous related issues that have contributed to relationship problems and challenges in co-parenting for separated or divorced parents.
The effects of the pandemic and the associated disease have had far-reaching impacts on families beyond expectations. While government programs and financial subsidies helped some families cope with the immediate financial impact of unemployment, the discontinuation of those programs and the subsequent rise in inflation have created unexpected financial difficulties.
Financial problems often contribute to marital issues, and the current challenging economic circumstances in the United States make it even more difficult for marriages to survive.
Separated and divorced couples are still grappling with the financial consequences of inflation, which may strain their budgets and hinder their ability to meet financial obligations towards their children. These issues can escalate and lead to litigation to enforce existing court orders or seek modifications based on significant changes in circumstances.
Court systems across Washington State and other areas continue to face backlogs and lengthy delays primarily due to pandemic-related challenges.
The system has had to adapt to near-total shutdowns, catch up on backlogs, and transition to conducting court activities online. This three-year period has required constant adjustments and accommodations. While the courts have made commendable efforts to address the problems caused by the pandemic, the system still faces challenges and inefficiencies.
The pandemic has also brought to light deeply entrenched philosophical and cultural differences in society, which can strain relationships and exacerbate existing issues. Political differences, as well as disagreements regarding schooling, vaccination policies, and beliefs about the existence of COVID-19, have created significant rifts within families.
Co-parents who previously had functional Parenting Plans faced disruptions when schools and daycare facilities were no longer operating normally.
Even now, with a couple of years having passed, students are frequently kept home from school and daycare due to illness, leading to the need for a parent to be present. Driver shortages have also impacted school bus services, requiring parents to provide transportation. Finding available daycare has become nearly impossible, leaving both parents scrambling to fill the gap.
What was initially expected to be a temporary disruption has become an ongoing issue that co-parents must address through agreements or legal action.
Medical decision-making has become a crucial issue for many families as well. Disagreements over vaccination and other COVID-19-related precautions have created heated arguments. Even seemingly simple decisions, such as whether children should wear face masks or attend family gatherings, have become major sources of disagreement between parents.
In conclusion, the number of divorces did not increase as anticipated during the pandemic. However, the pandemic has had a profound impact on families and the field of family law in unforeseen ways.
The ramifications of the pandemic will likely continue to be felt for the foreseeable future, but efforts are being made to address the challenges and find solutions.
