The recent COVID-19 pandemic certainly gave families an opportunity to spend more time together with most people having to work from home. However, for relationships that were already in peril – it offered a somewhat different experience and set of emotions. A recent news article by CBC Global News in July of 2020 reported that divorce rates have increased during the coronavirus pandemic and that lawyers are expecting even more divorce applications in the near future. The only challenge presented by divorce applications during the pandemic is that due to the fact the courts were partially closed for non-urgent matters – divorce applications are taking longer to process.
Canada Expected To See Spike in Divorces as Courts Re-open
While the pandemic isn’t quite over yet – many lawyers across Canada believe that there will continue to be a surge in divorces as courts slowly re-open. Some law firms have already reported seeing a 20% increase in inquiries from people looking to separate from their spouses than before COVID 19 appeared. This trend is not only happening in Canada and the United States – but many law firms have witnessed this same trend in other countries including Italy, Spain and China. These countries are seeing soaring divorce rates. A potential second wave of infections has couples concerned they may have to live through their current situation longer than they wanted – so this may also contribute to the rise in divorces.
Delays in Getting Your Divorce Application Processed
With the COVID 19 pandemic our country (as well as many other countries) had to endure many lockdowns – including courts across Canada. While courts were reviewing emergency family law matters such as emergency orders, child custody and support disputes, etc. – divorce applications were being put on the back burner which to many divorcing/separating couples – only made a challenging situation even more difficult. Some provincial courts were slower than others to adopt new technologies to further delay any court proceedings – but our lawyers are optimistic that whether a second wave hits or not – we’ll still be able to help you get your divorce processed and finalized as soon as possible.
Verhaeghe Law Office’s Edmonton Divorce Lawyers Are Here For You
Verhaeghe Law Office is proud to represent Albertans with their family law and divorce law needs. Our Edmonton divorce lawyers operate out of three offices including Edmonton, St. Albert and Athabasca – making it easier to serve our clients. If you or a loved one are in need of legal assistance to process your divorce – don’t delay and act now. Contact our divorce lawyers now for a consultation with a member of our legal team. If you book a consultation online – a member from our team will be in touch with you within 24 hours. You can call us, email us or live chat with us to get your consultation booked.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended to act as a general overview on a legal topic and does not constitute legal advice. If you require divorce law advice in Alberta – then please consult with a divorce lawyer or family lawyer for specific advice as it pertains to your specific situation.
