Countries all over the globe, including Australia, have implemented measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. On March 23, 2020, the federal government enforced the widespread closure of businesses and asked people to stay at home.

1. Current Lockdown in
Australia Pushes More
Couples to Seek Divorce
Connolly Suthers
AMP Building, 416 Flinders Street,
Townsville. QLD 4810, Australia
07 4771 5664

2. Countries all over the globe, including Australia, have implemented measures to curb the
spread of the novel coronavirus. On March 23, 2020, the federal government enforced the
widespread closure of businesses and asked people to stay at home.
The lockdown, however, has taken a heavy toll on people, especially Australian couples.
According to a report from The New Daily, an increasing number of people are looking to
get divorced.
Lockdown Directives Make Life Difficult for Couples
The government’s stay-home directives inevitably put pressure on couples, especially those
who have kids. According to Michelle Gopold, a clinical psychologist, stress often happens
when married individuals put up their defence mechanisms to shield themselves from
unexpected situations, tough decisions and difficult feelings.
An example is one spouse wanting to solve the problem right away to minimise negative
feelings, whereas the other wants to be alone for the time being before working on the
problem.
Financial Pressure is a Factor
The ongoing global pandemic has caused many Australians to lose their income or their job.
Couples feeling the financial pressure due to job or income loss may push themselves at
their breaking point.

3. Couples may have to change their lifestyle, as they can no longer afford to pay for certain
expenses, such as mortgages, holidays and school fees.
Staying Married through These Difficult Times
Gopold provides the following advice to couples who want to save their relationship during
these trying times:
• Understand how one person in the relationship copes with difficult situations
• Establish ground rules for personal space, everyday routines and house chores
• Allot time to discuss things that are and are not working in the relationship
Couples who find the situation unbearable may file for a divorce. This process, however, is
not fast or instantaneous.
According to the Family Law Act 1975, partners need to be separated from one another
before they can apply for a divorce. A 12-month period is required before filing a divorce
with the court.
Before heading down the road of divorce, however, couples are encouraged to explore
other options. Partners, for instance, can call a psychologist or a relationship expert for
advice.

4. Sources:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-lockdown-what-it-
means/12079242
http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/family-law-
matters/separation-and-divorce/divorce/divorce
https://www.connollysuthers.com.au/
https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/relationships/2020/03/28/coronavirus-lockdown-divorce-
relationships/