Divorced Coparents’ Experiences during the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Using data collected from divorced parents (N = 491; 49.7% mothers) during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, March 31st through April 3rd 2020, we evaluated divorced parents’ perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting their post-divorce coparenting relationships. Overall, 67.8% of parents reported no impacts of the pandemic on their coparenting relationship, with 21% reporting a negative effect, and 9% a positive effect. Coparenting communication frequency, coparenting satisfaction, and boundary ambiguity were associated with how the pandemic was affecting post-divorce coparenting relationships. Results can aid family practitioners in developing resources to help divorced parents navigate novel life stressors.