The impact of COVID-19 on families

For just a moment, you might have been forgiven for forgetting that COVID-19 existed. After the initial pandemonium of the first wave, the daily government updates and the long (albeit sunny) months spent indoors in isolation, we, as a nation, achieved what seemed unachievable, that all important R rate went down. We were allowed to socialise with our friends and extended family again, bars and restaurants were opening and we were even being encouraged to ‘Eat Out To Help Out’. Freedom at last! Or so it seemed.

Over the past few weeks infections have been on the rise again, with local lockdowns imposed and the R rate accelerating close to the levels it was at prior to the first lockdown. With the prospect of a second lockdown now on everyone’s mind, it is important to consider whether this will have a positive or detrimental impact on families.

There is no doubt that most parents breathed a heavy sigh of relief when the Government announced that schools were re-opening. Many parents found themselves taking on a new, unexpected ‘career’ as a home-school teacher, that is if they were not setting up their children’s virtual classroom first thing in the morning. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 will have had a damaging effect on children’s learning and mental health, although many are too young to understand the true consequences of a global pandemic. In respect of their learning, millions of children are likely to have lost out on 6 months or more of education, with the majority of children doing very little formal learning each day, especially those from low income families. The true impact of this however is yet to be seen.

The impact of COVID-19 on the family dynamic has also been an interesting one. Whilst some families have found that it has strengthened their relationships as they have been able to spend quality time together, others have been faced with financial hardship. It has also become apparent that lockdown has led to a rise in domestic abuse cases with men and women feeling trapped at home unable to escape their abuser. This is of course an unacceptable price to pay and more needs to be done to ensure that those experiencing domestic abuse are provided with the tools that they need, including access to legal advice. At Franklins we believe that no one should suffer in silence. With a sensitive but firm approach, you can rely on our family solicitors for support, reinforcement, advice and legal action that will put an end to the suffering you are experiencing in your home.

On the subject of family dynamics, it has also been suggested that Covid-19 has led to a spike in divorce enquiries. Although, there is no ‘perfect time’ to get divorced, spending an increased amount of time with your spouse is likely to have fuelled martial problems (where problems previously existed), especially if finances are also strained. Divorce is life changing for all parties involved but through tactical negotiation, on-going support and practical advice, you can rely on our family solicitors to get you on the route to resolution as soon as possible. Divorce is never easy or enjoyable, but with a team of specialists on your side you can rest assured that it will not last any longer than it has to.

If you need advice and assistance, please contact our Family Team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email Family@franklins-sols.co.uk.