The COVID-19 pandemic took everyone by surprise. It was a cataclysmic event that everyone assumed they would watch from afar, never realizing that the virus would soon sweep onto our own shores. As case counts began to rise and governments began to shut down businesses and schools, it was clear that this emergency was going to be both a health crisis and an economic crisis.
Now, more than six months into the pandemic, it’s clear that many families with children are facing financial distress. This can increase the likelihood of divorce, and it’s important that anyone seeking a divorce during this time partners with the most qualified Tampa divorce lawyer.
By the Numbers: The Financial Strain of the Pandemic
A recent poll from NPR shows that the financial strain of the pandemic has disproportionately affected families with children, particularly those that make a lower income. These numbers highlight the impact that the shuttered economy has had on households with children:
- 74% of households with children that make less than $100,000 per year are reporting that they have serious financial problems as a result of the pandemic. Job loss has left families without options, and more children are becoming food insecure by the day.
- 60% of households with children have lost jobs or have been forced to deal with reduced wages as a result of the pandemic.
The Impact of Family Stress on Children
The loss of jobs and reduced income can leave children in a particularly vulnerable state. Not only may their parents not be able to provide for them the basic things they need, like adequate food or a warm place to stay, but they also may be dealing with additional emotional stress. Children at this time have suffered from a lack of in-person connections with their friends, and many are not able to escape the turmoil of home by heading off to school. This is having a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of children across the country.
Divorce in the COVID-19 Era
Divorce has always been complicated, and it has always been a stressful experience to endure. However, it has never been more important to have the right Tampa divorce lawyer on your side. In the COVID-19 era, there are a lot more considerations that need to be made, and it’s important that you get the settlement that you need and deserve.
For more information about pursuing a divorce during this time, contact our law firm today and set up a consultation appointment.
If you have questions for a Tampa divorce lawyer, or are unaware of the terms and conditions of a Tampa divorce, talk to, and retain, a family law attorney who can help. Contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected]