The Los Angeles Wildfires’ Impact on Divorcing Families 

Historic wildfires in the Los Angeles region impacted thousands of people, including many going through divorces or other family law matters. Rancho Cucamonga divorce lawyer Taylor B. Warner will discuss the practical impacts a natural disaster can have on families coping with divorces. Over the years, she has helped clients who are divorcing and facing various personal and professional crises.

The Divorce Law Office of Taylor B. Warner, APLC’s Rancho Cucamonga divorce attorneys will protect your rights and work toward the best divorce outcome for you and your family. Call us today at (909) 466-5575 or complete our contact form to schedule an initial consultation so we can discuss your situation, how state laws may apply, and how we can help.

The Fires are a Massive Blow to the Area and Its Families

The US Census Bureau reports that the Greater LA fires:

• Have burned more than 40,000 acres
• Destroyed more than 12,300 structures
• Resulted in evacuation orders and warnings affecting as many as 200,000 residents
• The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, destroyed nearly 24,000 acres in parts of Malibu and Pacific Palisades
• The Eaton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres
• These fires are among the most destructive in California history

A report by the University of California, Los Angeles, estimates the Eaton and Palisades fires likely caused total capital losses between $95 billion and $164 billion, with $75 billion covered by insurance (though, given the costs of insurance, many under-insure their properties to make premiums more affordable).

They also state the following:

• The local economy will shrink by about $4.6 billion this year
• There will be total wage losses of $297 million for local businesses and employees
• Housing, especially rentals, will become increasingly unaffordable

If homeowners don’t have fire insurance or their policy only partially covers their losses, they will face significant financial problems. Even if their homes can’t be lived in or have been destroyed, homeowners must continue to pay their mortgages, real estate taxes, and ongoing housing costs.

Issues That Face Divorcing Couples and Their Families

All this creates more financial and personal stress for those going through divorce, including some of the following issues:

• If the home is community property, paid insurance claims must be split 50/50 between the parties
• Uninsured fire losses will also need to be split, either by agreement or through a court order
• If a party is working less or has lost their job, they should file a modification of spousal support. If the fire damage poses a substantial and long-term income threat, asking for a modification of a child support order may be appropriate
• For those receiving or paying spousal or child support and paying higher rents due to losing their home, they may want to change support orders so they’re paid more so they can better afford a place to live
• If one or both parents relocate out of the area, shared custody or visitations may be more difficult. Travel may be farther, and schedules may be affected
• Many schools have been destroyed or damaged. This impacts parenting time, custody, and relocations
• Essential documents needed for the divorce process may have gone up in smoke

Hardships caused by the fires can have a domino effect. One leads to another and another.

Emotional Stress Can Increase Along with Physical and Financial Stress

People who lost their homes and jobs are in survival mode, and marital difficulties will likely result from this catastrophic event. If your marriage was unstable before the fires, their impact may push the two of you past the point of no return. Troubled couples whose marriages were in trouble may divorce much sooner.

This is a deeply emotional and stressful time. Divorce can be stressful, even during the best times, but the pressure may seem multiplied for those affected by the fires. You need to do your best to juggle all that’s ahead of you, including:

• Finding new housing
• Dealing with insurance claims
• Job disruptions
• Filing for government emergency assistance
• Possibly seeking a modification of support orders
• Abiding by child custody and visitation arrangements

Divorcing couples’ relationships vary widely from being caring and supportive to openly hostile. No matter your situation, maybe it’s time to give your spouse more slack when obligations aren’t always met as precisely and fully as they have been. There’s already enough misery due to these fires. Don’t needlessly add to them.

Contact a Rancho Cucamonga Divorce Lawyer

A disaster like LA’s wildfires causes a wide range of physical, financial, and emotional destruction. They can also make a difficult divorce even tougher and worsen post-divorce problems. Changing applicable court orders may soften the blow, and being more understanding and kind to each other may help, too.

If your marriage is failing or you’re having trouble with your ex-spouse complying with court orders, contact the divorce Law Office of Taylor B. Warner, APLC.  Call us today at 909-466-5575 or use our contact form to speak with a Rancho Cucamonga divorce attorney.

Taylor Warner

Taylor has always been an advocate. Growing up the middle child with an older and a younger brother, Taylor developed a strong voice and personality and has always felt strongly about helping others. Becoming a lawyer seemed to fit Taylor’s personality and character – she is a strong leader and a bold advocate. Learn more here.