What Is a High-Conflict Divorce?
A high-conflict divorce refers to the dissolution of a marriage between partners who have experienced a breakdown in communication and cooperation, which can lead to an unwillingness to compromise or speak, as well as increased emotional fallout, hostility, and a lengthier process.
Why Divorce Can Be High-Conflict
Common reasons why divorces become contentious include:
- Infidelity or extramarital affairs
- Financial betrayals or hidden assets
- Long-standing resentment and unresolved conflicts
- Disagreements over child custody and parenting approaches
- Significant disparities in earning potential or lifestyle expectations
- Emotional or physical abuse within the relationship
- Addiction issues affecting one or both partners
- Disagreements over property division and asset valuation
- Interference from extended family members
- Fundamental differences in values or life goals
These factors can create a volatile environment where rational decision-making gives way to emotional reactions and a desire for retribution. Recognizing the potential for contention in these areas can help divorcing couples and their legal representatives anticipate challenges and work towards more constructive resolutions.
What Issues Often Arise in a High-Conflict Divorce?
High-conflict divorces often involve disagreements on various aspects of the divorce case, especially matters that have a high significance to one or both parties, including:
- Child custody and visitation. Disputes over who should have primary custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority regarding the children can be highly emotional and contentious.
- Property division. Dividing assets and debts fairly can be challenging when couples have accumulated significant wealth or have complex financial situations.
- Spousal support. Determining the need for and amount of spousal support can be a source of conflict, particularly when there are significant differences in earning potential or lifestyle.
- Domestic violence. Allegations of domestic violence can significantly complicate a divorce, requiring additional legal proceedings and potentially impacting custody arrangements.
- Financial misconduct. Hiding assets, misrepresenting income, or engaging in other financial misconduct can lead to mistrust and prolonged legal battles.
Divorce Tips: How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce 0
If your spouse is always trying to turn every matter in your divorce into an all-out battle, there is nothing you can do to change their behavior, but there are certain steps you can take to minimize the damage.
Continue reading for some helpful tips on how to navigate a high-conflict divorce:
- Minimize your interactions. Limit how much you communicate with your spouse, and do not engage in a conversation if the tone is disrespectful or if you believe you are being bullied. It is important to set these boundaries early on. If necessary, only respond to your spouse when it comes to child-related matters or other legal matters that require communication.
- Step away sometimes. Self-care is important no matter how easy or challenging your divorce may be, but it is particularly crucial in a high-conflict divorce. Try to maintain a healthy diet, stay active, and get enough rest. The better your body feels, the better you will feel.
- Set boundaries. A key part of protecting yourself is having boundaries. In addition to having communication boundaries, you should also set limits on where and when you all can discuss your divorce, who you can discuss your divorce with, and other necessary limits. While the other party may be unwilling to respect your boundaries, set those limits and enlist the help of others to maintain them.
- Consider hiring a therapist to work through your emotions. All of the pressure you are under with your divorce can affect your mental health, and a therapist can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms so you can more smoothly navigate it.
- Place your children’s well-being above your disagreements. If you have children, you will still have to be in each other’s lives. However, you do not necessarily have to co-parent if there is too much hostility and tension between you. Instead, consider parallel parenting, which involves very minimal direct contact. Oftentimes, warring spouses choose this type of parenting until after they are able to let go of their hurt feelings and resentment.
- Lean on the professionals. Consider consulting with a divorce attorney, therapist, or mediator who specializes in high-conflict divorces. Their experience can provide guidance, support, and practical advice.
Let Our Experienced Firm Help You Navigate a Contentious Divorce
If you are divorcing your spouse in a high-conflict divorce, you should not hesitate to seek skilled legal counsel to help you navigate it. At Arnel Law Firm, our family law team is committed to helping families navigate some of the most difficult and complex cases. With more than 35 years of experience, you can count on us to protect your interests.
Our firm can be your advocate during a high-conflict divorce by acting as a communicator with the other party, shielding you from the emotional turmoil and potential for escalation. Whether you need help combatting delaying or spiteful tactics or developing a strategy to protect your interests, we are here for you.
Reach out to our law office today at (718) 550-3024 to request a consultation and get started on your case.
