Divorce rates spike during pandemic, attorney says cheating, money are biggest factors

EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — The coronavirus pandemic has put a strain on relationships, as couples have been forced to stay home together more than usual.

Recent reports show there’s been a 30% spike in the number of people filing for divorce since the pandemic hit the U.S. in March. Attorney’s say they’ve been seeing similar trends in El Paso, with more and more clients filing for divorce every week.

“If they don’t want to get along, they don’t have to get along. I always say if there’s fighting between the parties, you know, keep it to themselves,” said Phillip Mullin, an attorney in El Paso.

Data analytics company SEMrush found that divorce-related searches are up 11% this year. More than 20% of people are searching "file for divorce online" and another 14% are typing, “I want a divorce.”

“They just can’t get along anymore for some reason, and I think a lot of it has to do with how the money is handled. Cheating is a big issue too,” said Mullin.

Mullin says kids and relatives also play a big part in couples splitting up for good.

“I think it’s the convenience, the fact that people don’t have to go down to the courthouse. They don’t actually have to confront one another at the courthouse,” said Mullin.