Divorce During COVID-19: How Coronavirus Affects Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

Attorney Samuel Bassett | 888-981-0046 | Schedule Your Consult Today

“Transparency with your spouse, even if you’re going to divorce them is the best if that’s possible.”

It’s a common concern during the COVID-19 pandemic: how is the coronavirus affecting family law matters like divorce, child support, and child custody?

Samuel Bassett is a criminal law and family attorney based in Austin, TX, with Minton, Bassett, Flores and Carsey. He is licensed in State and Federal court, and he has extensive trial experience throughout Texas in both family and criminal law. He explains that Texas family law courts are handling matters virtually, which include divorces and child support modifications. He also explains what to do if you are considering filing for divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as best practices for child custody.

To learn more, contact the attorney directly by calling 888-981-0046 or by submitting a contact form on this page. There is no charge for the consultation, and you never owe any out-of-pocket attorney fees.

Key Takeaways From Samuel Bassett:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created awkward situations for families across the board. Couples that did not often spend time together are finding themselves sequestered at home with each other, working through the various ways this time is likely to impact the relationship. Couples considering or beginning divorce might be finding this period particularly challenging, with the courts moving somewhat haltingly as they figure out how to hold remote hearings, divorce can be particularly confusing in the pandemic.

It’s important to talk to an attorney before filing for divorce.

When someone is considering filing for divorce it’s important to talk to an attorney first, unless violence or danger is involved. Speaking to an attorney can help you understand what you are likely to face throughout the divorce process, as well as how to begin the proceedings. For example, it can be extremely difficult to remain in the same home when a divorce has been filed. Not only is it difficult, but it can be extremely unhealthy as well for both people and any children present. Divorce attorneys can help establish two residences out of one while divorce proceedings are ongoing.

Seek professional advice on how to communicate the divorce to children.

It’s no secret that divorce can be particularly hard on children. It’s a good idea to talk to a family therapist or even an attorney for help figuring out how to communicate the divorce to children. Family courts are still open despite in-person hearings becoming less common in the coronavirus pandemic. However, teleconference hearings are becoming more and more common, so divorce proceedings may continue somewhat like usual.

With COVID-19 job loss and furloughing requiring child support modification requests for many families, it’s important to file for the modification as soon as possible. While furloughing doesn’t generally qualify for a child support modification, due to the significant impact of furloughing during the pandemic, judges might take a more in-depth look at each family’s situation. Child support is not usually reduced just because a parent loses a job, but might be reduced if the job loss continues against the non-custodial parent’s efforts for an extended period of time.

Communicate honestly with your spouse and ensure that you both have equal access to legal support.

It’s important to communicate as transparently as possible with your spouse, especially in such uncertain times. Mutual respect and care for each other’s circumstances often result in the most beneficial outcome for both parties. For help communicating with a spouse during a divorce, a good attorney can be extremely useful. Bassett also recommends involving a mental health professional to help with the communication process during divorce, as this can soften and help navigate some of the emotional turmoil which often accompanies these legal proceedings. Additionally, family therapists might be able to help children of divorce sort through their own feelings about and understanding of their parents’ divorce.

To learn more, contact Samuel Bassett directly by calling 888-981-0046 or by submitting a contact form on this page. There is no charge for the consultation, and you never owe any out-of-pocket attorney fees.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.