By Ross E. Schulman, Divorce & Family Law Attorney
Fever? Chills? Cough? Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing? Fatigue? Aches? Sore throat? Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? Loss of taste or smell?
We have all become well versed in identifying the CDC listed symptoms of Covid-19. What is more interesting about this virus is how Covid-19 can attack individuals in unique and unpredictable ways–both physically and mentally. Heartache? Emotional trauma? Extreme frustration? Excessive boredom? Marital angst? Parenting nightmares? These do not appear on the CDC website, but certainly are symptoms any family lawyer worth his or her rate have become all too familiar with over the past months. And very much like the medical symptoms, the social impact of Covid-19 can affect individuals and families in unique and unpredictable ways.
Taking Stock
As family lawyers, we, too, serve on the frontlines of the Covid crisis–not as medical first responders, but certainly as emotional first responders. We are FEMA for people and relationships. I have never been asked as often about my business right now. People all seem to understand Covid has wreaked havoc on many relationships, whether it was the quarantining, stress of homeschooling, political anxiety, financial stress, or simply just taking time to take stock of where your relationship is at and where it is going.
Covid-19 created a host of new relationship symptoms and issues for many. Quite frankly, people are suddenly aware of changes in how they look at their spouses and their marriages. They know they are not happy with status quo, however, do not understand the alternative or what it means for their future. What does divorce mean for you? How will it affect your children? What are your parenting rights? What will your financial future entail? Much like the symptoms of Covid-19, our clients are exhausted. They have terrible headaches, seemingly never ending. At times they feel they are grasping for air.
The ways we interact with each other have been reinvented. Are you and your spouse suddenly together for what seems like forever? (Wasn’t that exactly what you agreed to?) Are you suddenly realizing that absence really does make the heart grow fonder? Are you just not compatible any longer?
Parenting Issues
Maybe you went through divorce already, or never married and have children issues which have appeared alongside the virus. Is your ex creating a parenting nightmare? Do you disagree over what is in your children’s best interests? Are there new timesharing issues which have occurred since your work, school, and summer camp schedules have all been affected? Are you just no longer able to effectively communicate with your ex and struggling to deal with parenting issues?
Moving Forward
We are here to help. We can combine our long-term experience with the sheer volume of recent issues to help you understand and make the best decisions for your life. Like Covid-19, there will be spikes, and there will be lulls. Moments of fear and doubt. But like anything else, you will persevere. Life will move on and you will emerge from your individual quarantine. How you move forward is up to you. We are here to hold that door open and guide you through when you are ready. Despite rampant rumors, we do not have magic wands. What we have in our arsenal is the ability speak with you. To educate you on the legal ramifications of your individual situation. We can work with you to develop a bespoke strategy tailored to treat your individual symptoms.
Like the catchphrase in the Farmers Insurance commercials, “We know a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two.” During the past few months, we certainly have seen a thing or two.
About the Author
Ross E. Schulman is a top-rated Florida family law attorney in the Naples office of Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. Ross is a Certified Financial Litigator, has earned his designation as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and is licensed to practice law in Florida and New York. He works with clients regarding dissolution of marriage, pre/post nuptial agreements, paternity, custody, mediation, and litigation.
Contact Ross at rschulman@wpl-legal.com or (239) 649-6555.
Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.
Naples Office:
239-649-6555
Marco Island Office:
239-394-5161