An article from the New York Post, dated April 3, 2020, states that since the Governor’s executive order directing people to limit contact with others and to stay at home, New York lawyers have been increasingly contacted by their clients inquiring about divorce. It appears that for some New Yorkers, being trapped in the house for several weeks with their significant other has taken a toll on their relationship. For others, it is newfound monetary problems that are causing a strain on their relationship.

For already separated parents, there are problems concerning how one parent is handling coronavirus, with accusations that proper precautions aren’t being taken when that parent is out with the child. In New York especially, where there are so many confirmed coronavirus cases, the threat of the virus has caused some individuals to rethink how they want to spend their lives, and in turn reevaluate their relationship with their current spouse.

To combat coronavirus, the courts have extremely limited what types of cases can continue to be litigated, which includes a ban on commencing new divorce actions. However, there is still an advantage to clients who immediately file for divorce once the courts fully reopen. Certain assets are evaluated from the date of commencement, such as business and individual stock portfolios. Therefore, it might be advantageous for an individual to file for divorce immediately after the courts fully reopen and before those stocks begin to rebound.

As a result of self-quarantining, there is an expected surge of newly filed divorce actions once the courts reopen and resume normal activity.

https://nypost.com/2020/04/03/sick-of-you-lawyers-see-coronavirus-divorce-uptick/