Can I get divorced during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Our attorneys at Soule, Leslie, Kidder, Sayward & Loughman have received questions from a number of current and potential clients regarding whether they may get divorced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this blog post, New Hampshire Courts are closed to the public outside of emergency circumstances through to May 25th, or the end of the current State of Emergency. During this period of uncertainty, many question whether they may proceed with their divorce. This is an especially prevalent question for some, as experts believe the COVID-19 Pandemic will lead to a rise in divorce rates nationwide.
Although Court functions are significantly scaled back at the moment, our attorneys are still working with new and potential clients on getting a divorce, from start to finish, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most likely scenario for getting a divorce during the pandemic is through the filing of an uncontested joint petition for divorce. This type of divorce is appropriate where you and your spouse essentially agree about all or most of the aspects of the divorce and simply need help putting together the required documentation to finalize an agreement and file it with the Court.
Our attorneys have worked with a number of clients who contacted us for the first time shortly before the State’s Stay-at-Home order was issue or during the Stay-at-Home order. We have successfully worked with these clients to draft the required legal documents and have negotiated settlements for filing with the Court.
Even if you and your spouse do not agree on key aspects of your case and it is unlikely that you will reach an agreement, Courts are still accepting newly filed Petitions for Divorce which serve as the starting point for your case.
Based on the above, we can confidently say that the COVID-19 pandemic does not need to put your divorce plans on hold. If you would like to discuss getting started on your case with one of our attorneys, feel free to contact us today.
