If you’ve been thinking about divorce, anxiety and fear are nothing new to you. But now with COVID-19, anxiety and fear are a different punch altogether, causing our mechanism for survival to shift gears.

For many, this increased time “trapped” inside our homes with a spouse we’re already at odds with may push us to a breaking point, as suggested in China with the recent spike in divorce rates being linked to the coronavirus.

If you are thinking about it but not sure where to start… here are a few ways to help.

1. Find some private space and time. Carve out a space in the house that is just for you. Wake up early if you need to or stay up later than everyone else, but find time just for you. Meditate, read, surf online or do what it is to give you peace.
2. Stay focused on your goals. Really think about what they are and how you might achieve them.
3. Think about how you want your divorce to look and make a plan about how to achieve that journey.
4. Educate yourself. Study ways you want your divorce to look like. Explore different negotiation pathway options to help you achieve your goals.
5. Stay connected to your community, friends and family by regular video and online chats.
6. Talk to someone. It is important not to suffer alone. Talking to a therapist or friend can help.
7. Get some advice early. Work out how to achieve your goals within the context of the law and be supported to explore options to negotiate that will help you achieve your best outcome. Most modern lawyers (like us) are fully equipped to continue to advise and support you through this time.
8. Don’t delay. Exploring different ways to communicate and negotiate, you can still achieve results, even during this time of crisis. Therapists and mediators are still working around the clock to resolve difficult situations and support families in crisis.

During times of crisis, mental health issues surge and domestic violence goes up.. If you experience or are a survivor of abuse or would like to talk to someone to understand what abuse is visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/

At Resolve, we are modern lawyers adapting and innovating to meet the changing needs of our community. We can accommodate zoom or other types of calls at any time of the day or night that you can find some private time. Alternatively, you can come to our office (if you are in Adelaide) and we will see you (provided it is just you) face to face, or if you need a support person, then you can come to see us and we will appear on the screen.) Call us and find out how we might be able to help. 08 72286110