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Marriage, COVID-19, and the Rise in Divorce Filings: What Illinois Couples Need to Know

 
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of daily life, and marriage was no exception. Couples across Illinois found themselves navigating unprecedented challenges — prolonged periods at home, increased financial pressure, and a heightened sense of uncertainty. While some relationships strengthened, others faced significant strain. As courts reopened and routines normalized, many couples chose to pursue separation or divorce, prompting family-law practitioners to examine the long-term effects of pandemic-era stress on marriages.

For individuals considering divorce today, understanding how COVID-related pressures influenced relationship dynamics is essential. Equally important is knowing how the legal landscape has shifted and what steps to take when moving forward.

How COVID-19 Affected Marriages

The pandemic placed couples under conditions rarely experienced in modern times:

Prolonged Isolation

Stay-at-home orders, remote work, and limited social contact forced couples into near-constant proximity. For many, this removed healthy boundaries and exposed long-standing issues that may have gone unaddressed for years.

Financial Instability

Economic uncertainty was a defining feature of the pandemic. Job losses, reduced income, business closures, and rising household expenses contributed to increased tension. Financial stress consistently ranks among the leading factors contributing to marital breakdowns.

Mental and Emotional Strain

Anxiety, grief, and generalized uncertainty affected individuals differently, often creating emotional distance within marriages. Partners who coped in incompatible ways frequently experienced heightened conflict.

Shifted Priorities

Major life events — illness, loss, and drastic lifestyle changes — caused many to reassess personal values and long-term goals. For some couples, this led to personal growth. For others, it highlighted incompatibility.

Divorce Trends During and After the Pandemic

While early lockdown months temporarily reduced divorce filings due to court slowdowns, many family-law practitioners anticipated — and later observed — an increase once restrictions eased.

Key trends include:

Delayed Filings

Many couples postponed divorce due to court closures or uncertainty. As the system reopened, those delayed cases began moving forward.

Increased Case Volume

Some jurisdictions experienced notable rises in filings, particularly among couples who faced intensified conflict or financial strain during lockdowns.

Complex Case Factors

Pandemic-related issues — such as changes in income, remote schooling, and evolving work schedules — have added complexity to custody and support determinations.

Although not every divorce is a “COVID divorce,” the pandemic often accelerated pre-existing marital issues, pushing couples to take the formal step of separation.

Couples considering divorce now must navigate issues shaped by the past several years:

Property and Asset Division

Stimulus payments, investments made during the pandemic, changes in real estate markets, and increased household debt can all impact equitable distribution.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Remote work, alternative schooling arrangements, and changes in childcare availability may require revisiting or restructuring parenting plans to reflect the child’s best interests.

Spousal and Child Support

Income fluctuations remain common even after the height of the pandemic. Accurate assessments of earning capacity and financial stability are crucial.

Modifications to Existing Orders

For previously divorced individuals, COVID-related changes in circumstances may justify modifications to support or parenting agreements.

Given these intricacies, competent legal counsel is essential to ensure that rights, obligations, and long-term interests are protected.

Why Work With Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD

Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD offers comprehensive family-law representation rooted in professionalism, precision, and dedication. The firm provides:

Experienced Family-Law Counsel

The firm handles all aspects of divorce, including contested and uncontested matters, custody disputes, support calculations, property division, enforcement, and post-judgment modifications.

A Client-Focused Approach

Gardi maintains a commitment to providing responsive communication, individualized attention, and a high-caliber legal strategy tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Multilingual Services

With attorneys fluent in English, Spanish, Polish, and Gujarati, the firm ensures accessible and inclusive representation for the diverse communities it serves.

Confidential Consultations

Clients can speak privately with an attorney, discuss their concerns, and understand their legal options without obligation.

Conclusion

The pandemic did not create all marital challenges, but it undeniably intensified them. For many individuals, COVID-19 served as a turning point — prompting reflection, revealing incompatibilities, or amplifying long-standing issues. If you are considering divorce or seeking clarity on your legal rights, now is the time to speak with a family-law attorney.

To schedule a confidential consultation with Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD, fill out the form below. The firm is committed to helping you navigate this complex period with clarity, dignity, and informed legal support.

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