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Job Loss and Divorce – A COVID-19 Tragedy

The Law Offices of Ronald K. StitchOctober 12, 2020

Before COVID-19 took over our everyday lives, the unemployment rate in the United States was under 4%. Over the last eight months, we have seen our economy plummet, and the current national unemployment rate hovers around 8%. While this unemployment rate is certainly an improvement over the numbers we saw in late spring and early summer, the reality is that millions of people are still out of work. Much of that job loss has happened here in California. Job loss is also a leading contributing factor to divorce. Here, we want to discuss COVID-19, joblessness, and divorce.

Is Job Loss the Leading Cause of Divorce?

According to an article in the American Sociological Review, Harvard researchers say that divorce is more likely to occur when husbands are not employed full time. The research states that those without full-time jobs increase the odds of divorce by approximately 30%. Interestingly, the study also found that neither wives’ full-time employment or their share of household labor are associated with divorce risk.

The Harvard study did a deep dive into the total effects of unemployment on a person and, subsequently, the marriage. Researchers say that when a person is unemployed, this can have significant impacts on their overall mental health. Feelings of depression and anxiety then consequently impact those closest to them, including their spouses.

A highlight of this study that we should point out is that it does not take into account more modern concepts of marriage, where a husband may be a stay-at-home dad. The data also does not include same-sex marriages, as this data set is relatively new and not yet available.

However, it should come as no surprise that job loss and a lack of finances place a significant strain on a marriage. A significant percentage of all divorces find their origins in financial instability. This does not bode well in the current economic situation in this country caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of this writing, the jobless rate is still not good. Congress has not yet passed another round of coronavirus economic stimulus to help boost individuals or businesses, and the money from the previous relief bills passed in the Spring has all but run out. There have been many anecdotal reports of divorce rates rising throughout the country, beginning when the pandemic started. Undoubtedly, these numbers will continue to rise as the economic situation in the country continues to worsen.

Contact Us For a Free Consultation Today

If you are considering going through a divorce, you should speak to an attorney for a free review of your situation as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, our skilled and experienced divorce lawyers understand that divorce is difficult for every person involved. Our goal is to help our clients get through this and to ensure that they are treated fairly throughout the process. When you need a Simi Valley divorce lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling 818-707-0203.

 

 

 

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