Divorce Filings Increase as COVID Caused Lockdown Ends

April showers usually means that May will have a lot of flowers, but in today’s environment where the pandemic has caused all kinds of havoc; Texas Family Law Bar is seeing an increase in divorce filings.  Due to the lockdown imposed by government regulations to flatten the curve, unemployment and a spouse potentially having to quit working to homeschool the children has caused a financial strain on marriages which are a major factor in the dissolution of a union.

Many potential clients are calling for legal advice about divorce, and it’s all related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many people aren’t quite ready to file their divorces papers yet, they’re already arming themselves with legal advice and taking the steps to prepare now.

Because people who were having problems during the COVID shutdown, they were not able to do anything about it in March or April.  Therefore in May and June, they have been able to hire counsel and start the process of fixing their issues.  Family lawyers are predicted to have a lot of business for the long term.

One question that will be asked is how the courts will handle more divorce cases since many courts are still closed with the exception for extremely important or emergency matters.  Family law Judge Mike Herrera of the 383rd Family District Court in El Paso said, ““A lot of cases that should have been resolved in March and April, may have gotten put o, because the courthouse closed down. Then we had to start learning about Zoom.”  He added, “It’s an immense amount of work coming in, and we don’t have the kind of staff to handle it,” explained Herrera. “It’s probably affecting a lot of courts in Texas.”

Because many families will take their divorces to mediation to get their temporary orders sooner, and maybe even their whole divorce; the collaborative model to resolve family law disputes is becoming more popular than the litigation model.

This can be a frustrating time if you are currently in a marriage that has no chance of reconciliation.  However, having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2020, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.  Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.