COVID 19 & Self-Isolating In the Midst of a Relationship Breakdown

This is an extremely taxing time for us all. Individuals are worried about the risk of illness, the uncertainty of employment and investments, how to occupy and homeschool children, all while trying to work. All of these factors can dramatically impact a relationship, but for some people whose relationship was already in trouble prior to this change in social circumstances, this poses a significant complicating factor. For people in this situation, being confined to a house together while social distancing, can be an extremely challenging time.

Couples who may be contemplating a permanent breakdown of their relationship while self-isolating together are facing the stresses of everyone else, with the added worries of how to deal with children, if there are any, as well as a division of family property. When jobs and income are precarious, as they are now, the financial considerations around divorce can seem overwhelming.

At Mincher Koeman, we understand that at this challenging time cost may an issue and while divorce may be inevitable it does not have to be an added financial burden to the family. Further, the process does not have to inconvenience those looking to move forward with the legal process either.

Options for a Variety of Situations

Particularly now, people are less able to leave home, even for important issues such as legal matters. The family lawyers at Mincher Koeman understand and are skilled in all aspects of assisting our clients from amicable agreements to high-conflict custody and high-value property matters. Taking these skills that we have developed through years of practicing in family law, we have identified areas of conflict and worked to produce an online process which will allow individuals to work together from the safety of their own home during a period of social isolation to identify their matrimonial assets and divide them in a fair and equitable manner. Our tools also allow individuals to develop a parenting plan that works for everyone. Particularly for couples who are able to communicate effectively, this can be an extremely convenient and cost-saving measure, especially at this time.

This process ensures that you do not need to spend hours meeting with a lawyer but instead you can work together to mediate your own agreement. Once the information is provided, the team at Mincher Koeman can produce a Divorce and Matrimonial Property Agreement which reflects what you and your spouse have agreed within 24 hours.

At a time when interest rates are at an all-time low, assets are fluctuating on an hourly basis, and divorcing couples want to be able to purchase a property separate from their spouse, time truly is of the essence. This process offers a cost-effective and efficient way to separate without waiting for expensive court hearings or paying for third-party mediators.

The current situation is ever-changing and will continue to evolve. For example, currently, in Alberta, judges are not hearing cases for the next 10 weeks on anything other than an urgent criminal, family or child-protection matter. As a result, the best thing that couples looking to move forward with a separation or divorce can do is to work together to prepare materials, if at all possible. Our team is continuing to work diligently on behalf of all of our clients and will continue to do so throughout this period of uncertainty. For more information on the precautions we are taking in the face of the COVID-19 threat, please see our page dedicated to the topic here.

The family law lawyers at Mincher Koeman are exceptionally experienced with respect to assisting clients facing the breakdown of a relationship. We will work with you to ensure that your voice is represented in any dispute and will make the process as painless and efficient as possible. Contact our office today by calling us at 403-910-3000 or contact us online.