Divorce in a Pandemic
November 7, 2021

Divorce is rarely easy, even when there are no kids involved and the decision to dissolve the marriage is mutual. This has been particularly true since the start of the pandemic, which has impacted virtually every aspect of our lives, including marriage. 


Just about every family in Vermont, and around the world, has been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. Many have gotten ill or lost a loved one to the virus, and even more have experienced job loss, depression, or uncertainty about their children’s education and overall wellbeing. 


And during all of this stress and uncertainty, families have also suffered from lack of socialization outside of their family unit. After more than a year of lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions, the emotional and financial ramifications of the pandemic have taken a serious toll on many marriages. 


According to Bloomberg, the
rate of divorce in China spiked in March 2020, immediately after couples were released from several weeks of strict lockdown. And in the U.S., divorce attorneys reported up to a 35 percent increase in requests for divorce in spring/summer 2020 compared to the previous year. 


Issues can arise in even the most straightforward splits. But when we factor in the emotional toll of living through a global pandemic, the financial, emotional, and even
physical stakes can be significantly higher. 


Collaborative Divorce and Divorce Mediation 


It is a well-documented fact that collaborative divorce and divorce mediation lead to faster, less expensive, and less stressful splits than litigation. In fact, research conducted by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) revealed that
86 percent of collaborative divorce cases end with a complete resolution of issues. And of the cases that did not culminate with a total resolution, many involved a partial agreement, resulting in a narrowing of issues requiring litigation. 


Beware of the Do-it-Yourself Divorce


Although do-it-yourself divorces may be tempting as a way to save money, in reality, they often end up costing significantly more in time, stress,
and dollars. It is always a good idea to schedule an initial consultation with a trusted divorce attorney if you are considering ending your marriage. Your lawyer can advise you on potential issues unique to your particular situation, while ensuring that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward with any legal strategy. 


If you are considering divorce or legal separation, contact Benj and Lesley at Deppman Law PLC today for a confidential consultation about your case. 


June 20, 2025
Estate planning may sound like something only the wealthy or elderly need to worry about, but in truth, it’s an essential part of life planning for every adult—regardless of age, wealth, or family structure. Whether you're a small business owner in Montpelier, a retiree in Middlebury, or a young parent in Burlington, having a clear and legally sound estate plan can protect your loved ones, preserve your assets, and provide peace of mind. In Vermont, as in most states, there are five core documents that form the foundation of a comprehensive estate plan. Each plays a specific role in ensuring your wishes are respected and your affairs are handled according to your preferences—both during your lifetime and after your death. Here’s a closer look at the five essential estate planning documents every Vermonter should have: 1. Last Will and Testament A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and names an executor to manage your estate. If you have minor children, your will is also the document where you nominate a guardian for them. Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to Vermont’s intestacy laws—which may not reflect your wishes. This process can be time-consuming, emotionally draining for your family, and lead to unintended outcomes. Even if your estate is modest, a will ensures clarity and can help your loved ones avoid unnecessary legal complications during an already difficult time. 2. Durable Power of Attorney A durable power of attorney (POA) allows you to name someone to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become incapacitated. This could include paying your bills, managing investments, filing taxes, or making other important decisions on your behalf. In Vermont, a POA remains in effect even if you become mentally or physically unable to manage your own affairs—hence the term durable. Without a POA, your loved ones may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to gain the authority to act on your behalf. Choosing a trusted agent now can spare your family considerable stress later. 3. Advance Directive for Health Care Also known as a health care proxy or medical power of attorney, an advance directive allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and end-of-life care. Vermont has a specific form for advance directives, and completing one ensures your health care wishes are known and legally binding. Without this document, important medical decisions may fall to someone who doesn’t know your preferences—or disagreements among family members could create unnecessary tension. 4. HIPAA Authorization The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of your medical records, but it can also make it difficult for loved ones to access information in an emergency. A HIPAA authorization allows you to name individuals who can access your medical records and communicate with your doctors. This is especially important if you have multiple family members who may need to coordinate your care or advocate on your behalf. Without this document, your loved ones may be left in the dark at a time when fast, informed decisions are critical. 5. Revocable Living Trust (Optional, But Strongly Recommended) While not every Vermonter needs a revocable living trust, it can be a powerful tool—especially if you own real estate, have a blended family, or want to avoid probate. A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets into a trust during your lifetime, with instructions for how they should be managed and distributed. You retain control of the assets while you're alive, and after your death, they can be distributed without going through the Vermont probate process. A trust also provides greater privacy, flexibility, and control, and can be particularly helpful for managing out-of-state property or planning for incapacity. Take Control of Your Legacy Estate planning isn’t just about preparing for the unexpected—it’s about making intentional decisions that protect your family, safeguard your assets, and reflect your values. At Deppman Law PLC, we help individuals and families throughout Vermont create customized estate plans that meet their specific needs—no matter how simple or complex. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update existing documents, we’re here to guide you through every step with care and clarity. Contact Benj or Lesley today to schedule a consultation and begin building your estate plan with confidence.
May 18, 2025
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