Rare are couples who don't encounter a few relationship issues, but 10 months into the pandemic, divorce attorneys say some couples have reached a breaking point.
[Ads /]
"The consultations have increased at least by 50% if not more. I would say the amount of clients who retain and file for divorce have increased by a third," said James Hoover of the Hoover Krepelka family law firm in San Jose.
RELATED: Why are more Bay Area couples seeking divorce? Attorneys say COVID-19 shelter orders may be to blame
Everyone working at home, kids taking classes online, limited social interaction and possible job losses created a pressure cooker environment.
"They had the personal freedom, they had economic prosperity, and they didn't have the external stress of the COVID crisis, and so it has been a catalyst," said Hoover.
Pre-COVID, it may have been easier to mask relationship issues. Factor in COVID, and pressure can build up and lead to violence. Courtney Brown is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the Brown Therapy Group in Campbell.
"Irritability is higher.. anxiety, depression, and we see a lot of anger. People respond to those things with anger. So we've seen an uptick in domestic violence and also child abuse," she said.
RELATED: Coronavirus impact: Here's how to keep your relationships healthy during COVID-19 crisis
Coronavirus impact: Here's how to keep your relationships healthy during COVID-19 crisis
The Hoover Krepelka law firm says requests for restraining orders are rising. However, counseling is also encouraged.
"Counseling isn't a box to check so that you can move on to a divorce," said attorney Hoover. "It's something that you should be committed to, working on your relationship and yourself."
The uncertainty over when the pandemic will end adds stress on fragile relationships. So knowing when to get help is key.
"It is difficult, and I think we all need help with it," noted family therapist Brown. "So being able to acknowledge that we can't do this alone and ask, reach out, ask for help from anybody from therapists or just family members or friends. Anybody."
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
[Ads /]
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
[Ads /]