The Corona virus is going to have at least three predictable consequences on marriage, none of which are mutually exclusive.

Perhaps the best consequence of the virus is that there will be a baby boom at the end of the year. Couples, in love, bored, quarantined and stuck at home . . . Does anything more need to be said?

Confined to home for long periods of time, faced with mounting financial pressures in the midst of a health emergency, tensions will run high and take a toll on even the strongest of marriages. Disagreements and divorce seem inevitable.

Tips to Avoid Divorce

Here are a few tips to help your marriage survive the Corona virus so that you will not need to hire me or any other divorce attorney:

1. Give each other some space

In “normal times,” it is unlikely that you and your spouse spent every woke moment together. Embrace the cliche “I need my space.” Give each other some alone time. In my house, our dogs have been getting a lot of exercise as we savior our alone time on walks.

Try to work in separate rooms and to find spaces where you can have private conversations, read, work and even binge-watch television. Embrace your individuality and your interests.

2. Communicate

At the same time you are giving your spouse space, find time to honestly communicate, Check in with each other and really talk. Be open with each other and share your concerns, fears, and worries.

3. Maintain structure

Every parent knows that children thrive with structure, so do adults. In pre-Covad times, you had a set routine. You probably woke up, commuted to work, went to the gym and ate meals at the same time daily, Try to maintain some semblance of that schedule, paying mind to rules 1 and 2.

4. Ask for help

If you are feeling alone or depressed, reach out to a friend, a family member, or one of the many online mental health providers. Do not try to bottle up your anxiety or stress or attempt just to tough it out. It really may be helpful to verbalize your feelings.

5. Maintain a sense of humor and avoid criticism.

It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. Find something that makes you happy. Share it. On the other hand, avoid criticism or saying anything hurtful to your spouse, even if in jest.

The tragic consequence of this pandemic is the anticipated rise in domestic violence. The need for a couple or a family to shelter in place, socially isolated, would seem to be a fertile breeding ground for spousal abuse. I am fearful for spouses and family members of people who are unable to cope with the loneliness of social distancing.

Hopefully, by minding these simple rules, you can avoid having to hire me to handle your divorce. If you need to speak with me, call me at 212-683-9551 or email Dclement@clementlaw.com

Photo by Hello I’m Nik ???? on Unsplash