By Robert L. Mues   |   December 12th, 2020
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Covid-19 Pandemic Just One Of Many Factors That Lead To Divorce In 2020

divorce holidays

The timing of filing for a divorce can be a complicated decision. There are many factors to consider even in the normal Non-Covid times. But now there are even more factors to consider!

First off, in Ohio it is now too late to file a divorce or dissolution and get it finalized before the end of 2020. So, if that was your hope, you have missed that window of time.

I have been meeting with clients helping them formulate exit plans and discuss the timing options for filing their divorces. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Are You Safe?
     

    Needless to say, that the presence of domestic abuse is a huge factor to consider. If there is ongoing abuse, formulating an immediate ;escape plan’ should be a top priority. Figure out where you can move on a minute’s notice – perhaps temporarily stay with a family member, friend, co-worker, safe haven facility, or a church member? The existence of abuse may trump all the rest of the considerations mentioned below.

  2. COVID-19 Factors:
     

    Virtually everyone I meet with these days is grappling one way or another with the effects of the pandemic. An individual needs of course, to evaluate their personal financial security, job situation, emotional and physical health and child related issues (schooling, daycare etc.).

     

    Lots of folks had intended to divorce many months ago, but the pandemic and quarantine period had put those plans on hold. While the recent discussion of the emergence of several vaccines is encouraging, there is no crystal ball that allows us to see into the future. So, should you move forward now? Some would argue, leave all the bad stuff in 2020 and move forward.

  3. Misery Level:
     

    One can’t ignore doing a self-examination of their misery/happiness level. Staying both physically and emotionally healthy is crucial. How toxic has the relationship become? How will staying together another month or so effect things? Many individuals feel like they have been treading in quicksand for way too long. Others need to have something positive to look forward to, such as happiness and a fresh star. A terrible marriage has a way of making people numb. Perhaps waiting longer isn’t that hard or bad since the misery level has been high for so long.

  4. Impact of the Holidays:
     

    If you have children, the timing of filing the divorce  is probably a consideration. Ideally, no parent wants to start a process that could dampen the holidays for their kids. The flip side I have heard is that 2020 has been a horrible year, and none of the holidays  have been like traditional ones from the past. So, the thinking is that one might as well get the divorce going.

  5. There Never is a Good Time to Divorce:
     

    I have been doing divorce work for over 40 years. I can tell you that there rarely is a GOOD time to file for divorce. Waiting for a “good” time will likely never happen. No one wants to go through a divorce. What I hear from clients most often is that (for a multitude of different reasons) that they wish that they had filed it much sooner. That their waiting just delayed their transition to happiness.

Too Late To File In Ohio? Seek Professional Help For The Holidays

If you are not seeing a psychologist or therapist now to help sort through these issues, starting some counseling might at the very least be helpful as you evaluate your next steps forward.

If you live in the Dayton Ohio area and think that one of our experienced divorce lawyers at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues might be of assistance, please call us at 937 293-2141 to schedule an appointment via phone, Zoom or in person. We are here to help!

Schedule An Appointment

 

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My Divorce Timing – Should I File Now or Wait Until After the New Year?

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