Coronavirus and divorce: what are the impacts? The Global Times, a Chinese newspaper published in English, shared with us a legal fact deserving to be noted. Applications for divorce exploded in numbers after the quarantine (imposed because of the epidemic of Coronavirus-COVID-19) was over in several cities
in China. In certain districts of Xi’an (province of Shaanxi, North-West of China) administrative authorities in charge of these questions were stormed after reopening on March 1, 2020.
Factors to Consider
Many factors can explain this increase of divorce cases in China: first, same as in Quebec, the Courts of justice were closed. Therefore, many cases were just postponed. But the figures also show that the quarantine itself had an impact on the couples. Which led, evidently, to increased demand. Moreover, in the time of coronavirus (COVID-19), shared custody for separated parents is more complicated than usual.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
In Quebec, we are only seeing the beginning of quarantine measures. But we already note some increase of our clients’ questions who want to know their rights when it comes to divorce, separation or child custody. We already know, unfortunately, that the numbers of divorce application increase after Christmas holidays or summer vacations, when the families usually spend more time together.
Despite the partial quarantine (at least to this day) our law firm Allen Madelin stays open and our lawyers continue to offer consultations via phone or by teleconference (or exceptionally, in person) to advise our clients on their rights: particularly in connection with this current situation.
What are the Situations You Might Face?
Here are some examples where you could reach our lawyers:
You want to divorce or separate right away.
In spite of the quarantine and self-isolation measures imposed by the government because of the Coronavirus COVID-19, some situation still need immediate intervention. Those are, evidently, cases of family violence, psychological abuse, etc. With our lawyers’ help, you could concentrate on the problems that cannot wait. Please note that Courts of justice are now closed but for the urgent cases. During your consultation with our family lawyer, you could discuss if you should leave your family residence because of risk of violence against you or your children.
You want to know your rights in case of divorce or separation.
Our family lawyers are there to advise you in divorce and separation matters. At the moment, property division can be particularly problematic — particularly concerning financing and sale of a family residence. We are entering a volatile financial period, when no decision should be made out of strong emotions. Our lawyers will help you to find and assess available strategies.
You are in a temporarily difficult financial situation.
You want to diminish the amount of support you are paying for your ex-spouse or your children.As the world in recession, and Quebec particularly is facing this crisis (with unemployment numbers growing) the question of support payments is risen at several levels. Some of our clients start thinking if they can ask for support themselves. Second, many are asking how to modify amounts payable when the income decreased significantly. Our lawyers will analyze each situation and will be able to advise you over the strategies available in your case.
You have questions about your children’s rights.
Many questions are risen about custody rights in the time of Coronavirus-COVID-19. We have a specific article in this blog treating those questions. Let’s
mention some points, though. Several urgent situations can affect your custody rights: if a parent with custody shows symptoms of disease, if one of the parents does not respect quarantine measures put in place by the government, if one of the parents is using this crisis situation to go against Court orders.
Make an appointment for answers
Contact us at 514 904 4017 or by email: [email protected] to make an appointment. We offer your first consultation at $125 in the actual situation. Our law firm works in the family law area and was recognized among the best divorce lawyers in Montreal.
