Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog
Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce
Divorce can be stressful and challenging, but it can be even more emotionally and financially draining when there is an abundance of negativity. A high-conflict divorce makes the process of uncoupling much more intense for the entire family. The complexity can significantly extend the time it takes to end the marriage, thus putting more strain on everyone for a longer period of time. If you are facing a potentially high-conflict divorce, it is best to act preemptively to try to resolve issues outside of court.
Signs of a High-Conflict Divorce
If you are in the midst of ending your marriage, you will want to come to terms with the possibility of a high-conflict divorce. There are some signs that could signal that ending your marriage will not be an amicable proposition. Some signals may appear during the marriage, while others may become more apparent after the divorce process begins.
- Controlling or manipulative behavior
- Conflicting parenting styles
- Disputes over custody or visitation
- Making legal threats
- Failure to compromise
- Verbal or emotional abuse
- Making false allegations
- Alcohol or substance abuse
Now is the time to objectively evaluate the relationship to determine the level of conflict that is or will be present during separation and divorce.
Strategies for Handling a High-Conflict Divorce
A high-conflict divorce is, by its very nature, one with a high level of acrimony. You will know that the situation is not going to be easy, so you will need to adopt some essential strategies to handle it.
Evaluate the Situation
As you begin and proceed with your divorce, you will want to evaluate the situation continually. Stay focused on the issues that are important to you and your children. Consider strategies for staying ahead of conflict. Explain the potential for conflict with your attorney at the beginning of the process so you can begin to strategize.
Structure Communications
When dealing with an unpredictable spouse, you should take steps to structure your communications. Set specific methods for how and when you communicate. In some cases, you may need to communicate through a third party to reduce friction. Staying on topic is also critical when discussing divorce specifics with your spouse.
Assert Your Needs
During the process, it can be easier at times to simply agree to some things rather than cause a dispute. Consider the essential issues and ensure you assert your needs so the outcome is agreeable to you. Keep in mind that some issues may be critical while others may be less important. Identifying your needs helps you achieve your goals.
Document Everything
When you are dealing with a high-conflict divorce, everything that happens during the process could lead to contentious actions. Therefore, it is in your best interest to document everything along the way. This will protect you in the future as well as provide more organization to the situation. Put things in writing so you have information you can use later if needed.
High-conflict divorce can take its toll on you and your kids. An experienced attorney will often help resolve conflicts and help keep them to a minimum. Your lawyer will effectively guide the process so you can manage with less stress. To speak with our skilled legal team, call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a consultation.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/separation-and-divorce
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
See Our Related Video from our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArnoldSmithPLLC?feature=watch
See Our Related Blog Posts:
What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in North Carolina Divorce?