Every marital relationship has a degree of conflict built into it. Under normal circumstances, a couple might be able to set their differences aside, reduce conflicts to the highest extent possible, and focus on what they have in common in order to make their relationship work.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has amplified the stressors within marital relationships, which has resulted in an increase in breakups and divorces. If you believe that your marriage has reached a breaking point and you and your spouse are planning to file for divorce, the guidance of an experienced Austin family attorney is needed more than ever before due to the unique problems caused by the pandemic.
How The Pandemic Can Affect Your Divorce Case
One of the most notable consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic – and the subsequent lockdowns and other restrictions that followed it – is that family courts across the state are struggling with a massive backlog of cases, which are moving slower through the system than ever before.
As any Austin family attorney can tell you, negotiations on key issues like the division of marital property, child custody, and visitation can take time – even under the best of circumstances. Now, it can take even longer, as the financial uncertainties caused by the pandemic can make it harder to determine the financial needs of the custodial parent and the ability of the non-custodial parent to pay what is asked of them.
How an Experienced Austin Family Attorney Can Help You
An experienced attorney can assess your situation, take your needs (financial and otherwise) into consideration, and tell you what is realistically achievable, what is not, and what kind of outcome you can hope for.
This is important as having a realistic idea of what you can get out of the divorce can temper your expectations, force you to think rationally, and help you understand the importance of acknowledging your spouse’s concerns and accommodating their needs (as long as they are reasonable). It can reduce conflicts during the negotiation process and make it easier for you and your spouse to resolve your differences amicably.
Depending on the circumstances, your Austin family attorney might encourage you to resolve your issues through mediation or arbitration – which can not only help you avoid a lengthy, expensive trial, but also make it easier for you to maintain a healthy relationship with your spouse – even after the divorce.
If, on the other hand, you and your spouse are on the same page on key issues like child custody and support or if you are willing to work together to resolve your issues in a civil manner, you might be able to get divorced without going to court at all – through a process called collaborative divorce.
Choose The Right Austin Family Attorney to Handle Your Divorce Case. Choose The Law Office of Willie & Dasher
If you are planning to file for divorce and want to know what your options are, experienced Austin family law attorney Eric M. Willie can help you. A highly-rated family lawyer in Austin, TX, Eric M. Willie is known for his unmatched legal knowledge, persuasive negotiation skills, and affable nature.
Eric M. Willie can represent you, protect your rights and interests, and fight hard to achieve the best possible outcome through mediation, arbitration, collaboration, or litigation. We encourage you to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with Austin family law attorney Eric M. Willie. Call us today at 512-478-0834 or complete this brief contact form.