Coronavirus Shutdown Causing ‘Perfect Storm’ For Divorce Lawyers

One family law firm in Australia is reporting a sharp rise in the number of cases, amid fears the coronavirus pandemic will lead to higher divorce rates in the country.

Courtney Mullen, head of legal at Australian Family Lawyers (AF Legal) in Canberra, said the coronavirus pandemic has created a “perfect storm” of stress for families and could be leading to the increased number of cases the firm has seen.

AF Legal said it’s had a record quarter, with 50 percent more new case openings on the year to date than last year.

The firm recorded its second highest revenue month of the financial year in March, and saw a 48 percent increase in revenue in the three months period up till March 31 than in the prior corresponding period.