COVID-19 in Australia: Impacts on Separated Families, Family Law Professionals, and Family Courts

Abstract

Around the globe, many families are experiencing significant anxieties linked to COVID-19. These include health concerns and economic pressures, both of which are frequently taking place against a backdrop of various levels of social isolation. In addition, many parents have been juggling home schooling requirements in the face of radically different work arrangements including the loss of employment altogether. Unsurprisingly, additional challenges and stresses are emerging for separated families, family law professionals, and family courts. In this article – written at a point-in-time in a rapidly evolving COVID-19 context – we reflect on key challenges for separated families in Australia, and some of the emerging professional responses.