Divorce and COVID-19

Family Law Attorneys Assisting People in Boca Raton and Surrounding Areas

The abrupt spread of COVID-19 has required many Americans to stay at home, which has inspired some people to take stock of the positive and negative attributes of their lives. For some married couples, the isolation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led to the decision to end their marriage. Obtaining a divorce during a global pandemic presents certain challenges, however, and it is crucial for anyone who wishes to obtain a divorce to consult an attorney. The Boca Raton divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Jessica Mishali, P.A. understand the issues related to divorce and COVID-19. We will fight to protect your interests and help you seek the best result available under the circumstances.

Obtaining a Divorce Under Florida Law

There are multiple ways in which a Florida couple can end their marriage. For example, a couple can seek a simple dissolution of marriage or a regular dissolution of marriage. In a case involving a simple dissolution of marriage, the parties must meet certain requirements. Specifically, they cannot have any children under the age of 18, they must agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and they must come to an agreement regarding the division of assets and obligations. Simple dissolutions allow couples who have an amicable relationship to seek a divorce in an efficient manner. In some cases, couples may choose to meet with a neutral third-party evaluator to assist in developing a property settlement agreement. In a regular dissolution of marriage, there typically are disputed issues, such as custody, alimony, and property division. As a result, the parties typically engage in discovery, which can include depositions and an exchange of documents, and they may be required to attend hearings and ultimately a trial.

Divorce and COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed many aspects of how Florida divorces are handled. First, regardless of whether they have decided to end their relationship, many couples are forced to remain in the same residence, due to an inability to obtain alternative housing. Additionally, many courts throughout Florida are closed due to the pandemic, except for emergencies. As a result, there are likely to be substantial delays in the process of obtaining a divorce throughout the state. Notably, however, the parties can still file for a divorce while the courts are closed, and many depositions and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, such as mediation, can be conducted remotely through video chat or other electronic means.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on many people’s finances, which is likely to have a significant impact on divorce litigation as well. The most contested issues in divorces include how marital property should be divided, how debts should be distributed, and whether one party owes spousal or child support to the other party. As the market fluctuates rapidly in response to the pandemic, however, the values of people’s retirement accounts, stock holdings, and properties fluctuate as well, and the spouses may disagree on when a property should be valued for the purpose of distribution and what constitutes a fair appraisal of overall assets and liabilities. Many people also unexpectedly lost their jobs due to COVID-19, which can affect the manner in which courts evaluate proposed or existing support obligations.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney in Boca Raton Today

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of life, including the stability of many marriages. If you wish to end your marriage during the pandemic, it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney regarding divorce and COVID-19. The family law lawyers at The Law Office of Jessica Mishali, P.A. pride themselves on providing aggressive advocacy for people navigating the emotional and legal complexities of divorce. We represent people in divorce cases in Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Hallandale Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and other areas of Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties. You can contact us through our form online or at (561) 833-2772 to schedule a conference.