Have you been considering filing for divorce in San Diego during the pandemic? You’re not alone. The divorce rate is once again approaching 50% in the United States and many experts point to the impact of COVID-19 to explain the recent sharp rise in divorce filing.
Even in the best of relationships, the strain of COVID-19 restrictions and the impact on every aspect of daily life including work, school, quarantine and associated restrictions have taken their toll. “Pandemic fatigue” has become a common theme in many of our conversations as well as in the news.
Are you considering filing for divorce in San Diego during the pandemic and wondering how the process will work? Are the Courts accepting new cases? How will you handle co-parenting during remote learning sessions while dividing the additional requirements of supervision and/or child care? Have you or your spouse lost a job or faced reduced hours or a furlough? Are you concerned about the value of the equity in your home or the future of your investments or retirement accounts?
Presently the Family Courts in San Diego are facing a backlog based upon filings for divorce as well as modifications to existing child custody and parenting time orders. However, there are many effective strategies for managing the process of filing for a divorce in San Diego during the pandemic.
In some cases, the differences between the goals of each party or the acrimony which has built up can only be resolved by the Court. Our proven trial attorneys work to protect and advance your interests. However, in many cases it is possible to achieve your goals in other legal venues.
For example, mediation is a private, cost-effective and timely strategy for many couples who wish to divorce or who are struggling with changes to existing child custody and parenting time orders. It is often possible to resolve most or all of the issues associated with your divorce and complete a settlement agreement.
Another strategy to consider when filing for divorce in San Diego during the pandemic is the use of a private judge. Here in California a private judge can work with you to decide disputes over issues such as community property division, spousal support, child custody and parenting time. The option of a private judge may actually save you a significant amount of time and money when compared to a typical process in Family Court, especially during these frustrating times of backlogs and Court closures.
Learn more about filing for divorce in San Diego during the pandemic while accomplishing your own goals and objectives. Protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.