It is too soon to know for sure in the United States, but it is possible that divorce rates are going to spike in the coming year. The reason is the current COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the country and much of the world.

Self-isolation, so far, has shown to be the best way to combat the disease. It spreads easily, and anything people can do to reduce contact with others can potentially help keep the numbers down. This, in turn, takes some of the pressure off of the hospitals. Even if the majority of the people in the United States eventually get it, it will be better for that exposure to be spread out over the next 18 months than to happen entirely between now and the summer. 

However, for couples who are already on the rocks or facing marital trouble,  self-isolation could be the last thing  that they want. It can magnify their issues. It can make them realize that they really do not enjoy spending time together. A person who was unsure if they wanted to get a divorce or not may feel like isolation is the tipping point. When it finally lifts, couples could rush to file for divorce.

There’s also something to be said for the stress of the current situation. Stress often leads to divorce, and this is a pandemic the likes of which most married couples have never seen. There’s no telling how that will impact them.

If you and your spouse do opt to split up, you need to know  what legal options you have .