The Impacts of COVID-19 on Divorce

The Fairway Divorce franchise is here to meet the growing demand for divorce services in the COVID-19 world. Fairway is the fastest growing divorce franchise. Not only that, but we are at the forefront of helping Canadians manage their way through divorce in a friendlier and more cost-effective way.

Divorce Mediation Services

Founded in 2010 by Karen Stewart, Fairway Divorce has the aim of changing the way that couples achieve divorce. Instead of the painful, expensive legal battles that we have become accustomed to, Fairway find results through its proprietary mediation services.

Over the last several years, Fairway Divorce Solutions has built its name and reputation on its unique mediation method. Independently Negotiated Resolutions (INR) are the backbone of the Fairway divorce process.

We understand that Canadian couples are sick and tired of lengthy, expensive legal battles that leave them both emotionally and financially drained. They want a different experience during divorce negotiations, and we provide just that.

The focus is to help Canadian couples go through the divorce process in a less stressful, more affordable, friendly way. We have helped thousands across Canada already, one of the many reasons why Fairway Divorce Solutions has been on the rise.

The Strain of COVID-19 on Divorce Rates

Unfortunately, marriage numbers have not been helped by the global pandemic. As a matter of fact, couples are more rapidly inquiring about divorce proceedings more than ever.

“The growing demand for this concept is significant,” says Fairway Divorce Solutions founder and CEO Karen Stewart. “It is increasing pressures that COVID has brought on.”

The Chinese are experiencing a massive increase in divorce inquiries. Divorce numbers have been on a steady rise since 2003. The need for a new law, in which couples have a 30-day “cooling off” period before filing for divorce, indicates the strain that Chinese marriages are feeling.

Fairway divorce franchises are seeing an increase in volume as well. As a matter of fact, many of our franchise partners are seeing record months. This increased demand requires a new way to navigate the divorce process.

“The pandemic has definitely impacted people’s relationships within the home,” Stewart said. “Especially considering both parties are more commonly working from home.”

Many families typically don’t have the luxury of a huge home where they can separate from one another. The pandemic has forced couples into spending time together even when a break would be beneficial. This puts a strain on an already stressed relationship.

There is also the issue of mental health. More and more, mental health issues are becoming exacerbated and those feelings of isolation become more prevalent. Being in a poor relationship, feeling isolated, and other facts are all creating an environment perfectly suited for divorce.

Economic Downturns During COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 and the isolation that it has created would be enough to crack marriages across the country. But with COVID-19 has come an economic crisis. With many out of work and facing economic uncertainty, that places an even larger strain on a marriage.

Firms across Canada are seeing as large as a 40 percent increase in divorce inquires since the start of the pandemic.

“Those economic pressures, with people losing their jobs, their businesses…this uncertainty is adding significant stress on relationships that have already been strained before COVID, but this brings it to a new level,” says the head of one firm.

Not only that, but couples are losing access to in-person counselling or therapy that may have been helping their relationship. With these resources disappearing, problems become amplified in this COVID landscape.

Divorce Rate Hike and the Importance of Mediation

The average rate of Divorce for nearly 3 decades has been 38% in Canada. Experts are expecting a serious hike on that average thanks to the situation created by COVID.

“We’re seeing on a monthly basis, we keep tabs on people looking to separate and it’s about a 20% increase in call volume, probably more,” said Nussbaum of Nussbaum Family Law.

Nussbaum blames the “triple whammy” of financial stress, couples being quarantined together, and having children at home for the divorce spike.

That is why it is becoming more and more essential to have effective means of negotiating a divorce. Instead of the costly, lengthy legal battles that we are all familiar with, Fairway Divorce is changing the game.

Contact us today to learn more about how mediation and our INR process can save you time, money, and heartbreak during the divorce process.