DIVORCE IN BRAZIL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD: A REVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON MARITAL RELATIONS

Abstract

The present work aimed to analyze divorce in Brazil before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was governed by the Divorce Law of 1977, which represented a milestone by introducing direct divorce, simplifying the process of marital dissolution by eliminate the need for prior legal separation. This significant change reflected social advances in Brazilian law, granting spouses greater autonomy and protecting their individual rights. However, although divorce was made easier, it still involved complex issues such as division of assets and child custody, requiring care in the application of current legislation. During the pandemic, social isolation had significant impacts on marital relationships, intensifying daily interactions and exposing pre-existing tensions. The lack of external support, due to social distancing, has worsened conflicts and made it difficult to resolve marital problems, contributing to a possible increase in divorce rates. Given this scenario, many legal processes, including divorces, were adapted to the online environment, with the implementation of virtual procedures to ensure the continuity of legal services. Courts and registry offices adopted measures such as virtual hearings and digital signing of documents, facilitating access to justice and protecting the health of those involved. Despite the challenges couples faced during the pandemic, some sought collaborative solutions to deal with these exceptional situations, emphasizing the importance of open communication and focusing on children's well-being in cases of shared custody, such as adjustments to visitation routines, education from a distance and concerns about children's mental health.