A recent survey of members of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) across the country confirmed predictions that, post-pandemic, the rate of divorce filings has gone up just about everywhere. Some lawyers are reporting that they are busier than they have ever been. (The AAML is a group of about 1,600 prominent family lawyers located in every one of the 50 states.) Enforced isolation together for many months, in addition to all the financial and emotional upheavals caused by the pandemic, took a toll on many marriages, including some that were already troubled and some that were not—until confronted by unprecedented pressures.

But another somewhat unexpected issue arose in the AAML survey, mentioned by a surprising number of the responding attorneys. Lawyers commented that parting spouses these days are more intransigent and more “dug in” than ever before.