Emma Gill explores the creative ways divorcing couples are getting in touch

Lockdown has forced everyone to change the way they live their lives and divorcing couples are no exception.

With many countries around the world reporting a rise in divorce petitions once lockdown measures are eased, divorcing couples have had to change tactics and approaches.

Cooped up with their partner and without the usual opportunities for solitude, individuals have had to resort to a creative use of technology to able to communicate securely.

Speaking to The Times, Emma Gill, head of our Manchester office, explained the creative means individuals are now employing to contact their lawyers: “I had an entire month’s worth of dialogue with a lady desperate to start divorce proceedings completely over WhatsApp.”

Alongside embracing technological solutions, individuals are also changing their timetables, trying to find any time they can away from their partner: “I am finding my days are being stretched a lot further. Some people can only message in the evening when their partner has gone to bed, or get up early in the morning to do so. Or they only have an opportunity perhaps on the weekend when their spouse goes out for a run. That is where we have seen a real change in how people are communicating with us.”

“I had an entire month’s worth of dialogue with a lady desperate to start divorce proceedings completely over WhatsApp.”

While these covert conversations may sound dramatic, they can be essential for ensuring an orderly divorce.

The actual proceedings themselves may be delayed but this early preparation can be make or break: “The reason why this secret messaging is going on is so you can be armed with the tools that you need to exit when things lift,” she said. “You are exiting what is perhaps the biggest financial and emotional deal of your life so the timing of when you actually announce your exit is crucial.”