Let’s take a look at the main steps you can take to save your sanity, and get through the experience as unscathed as possible.

Seek advice from a family lawyer

If you’ve made the decision to separate but haven’t yet spoken to your partner about it, seek legal advice first. You can talk through your options with an experience divorce solicitor. They can provide guidance on what to do next, and also let you know whether there are likely to be delays with the process due to the coronavirus pandemic. This could affect your decision to start the process now or later.

If you need to talk, we’re here for you. Call Liverpool divorce lawyer Tracey Miller Family Law on 0151 515 3036 or 07795 060 211 for expert advice you can trust.

Speak to your partner to work out a plan

When couples don’t talk to each other, resentment can fester and communication can break down altogether. If you’re able to, sit down with your partner and come up with a plan for the future as calmly as you can.

Put the needs of your children (if you have any) first, and try to be as adult and rational as you can considering the emotive circumstances. The more you communicate, cooperate and compromise, the better chance you’ll have of avoiding full-scale war between the two of you.

Try virtual mediation or counselling

Many relationship support services have now gone online, so you can still access marriage counselling or mediation if you need it. Relationships are being put under unprecedented strain due to the current situation, but it may not spell the end for your marriage. It could be that talking through issues and receiving support could see you through to the other side, without having to separate.

Consider changing living arrangements

Is it feasible and safe for one of you to move into alternative accommodation? This could be a sensible idea if the situation is unbearable at home, especially if you want to shield children from arguments and animosity between you.

If it’s not an option, consider whether the family home can be segregated. This should only be done in a sensible way, with the aim of giving each person their personal space (not for fights over territory). Just having somewhere to retreat and have some alone time could be hugely helpful for easing the tension until the lockdown is lifted.

Remember that all relationships are different

Some couples will be fine living together reasonably harmoniously until the lockdown is eased, but tensions and emotions will be running very high for others. Whatever you decide to do should be the right option for your family, even if it’s not what other couples you know have done.

It’s only temporary

You may end up with a situation that’s difficult (i.e. segregating the family home), but remember that it won’t be forever. You may end up putting the divorce on hold until court backlogs ease, coming to a temporary truce while you cope with lockdown together.