How to Handle a High-Conflict Divorce

 Posted on December 07, 2023 in Divorce

Conflict is normal in any marriage. Small arguments here and there are usually nothing to worry about. However, once those arguments escalate the emotional, mental, or physical abuse, it may be time to rethink your situation. A divorce with high-conflict complications can often be emotionally and mentally draining. Because of this, you will want an experienced divorce attorney standing beside you throughout divorce proceedings.

What is a High-Conflict Divorce?

Divorce can bring out the worst in people. In a high-conflict divorce, the two parties are unable or unwilling to work together to come to an amicable compromise on divorce-related issues, such as:

• Child support
• Conservatorship, possession, and access
• Marital property
• Maintenance

Often, one or both sides of a high-conflict divorce look to tear one another down. Instead of a “win-win” mindset where both spouses try to make things less stressful, couples in a high-conflict divorce tend to approach the situation with a “win-lose” adversarial mindset.

When High-Conflict Divorce is One-Sided

High-conflict divorce does not mean both participants are trying to make things more difficult. In many cases, it is only one spouse looking to make the other miserable, thanks to resentment, guilt, or anger at the divorce in the first place. In other cases, high conflict can stem from one side being abusive and the other trying to get out of a bad situation. The alleged abuser can become even more hostile or erratic after receiving news of a divorce filing, making the entire process that much more complicated.

Couples in high-conflict divorce may not benefit from mediation or collaborative law as that requires both sides to work together toward an amicable end. When one or both sides are hellbent on hostilities toward each other, being face to face outside a courtroom may only create a bigger disaster, impacting emotions and finances even harder.

Surviving a High-Conflict Divorce

Letting go of past issues is a great first step toward getting your divorce over and done with as soon as possible. Holding onto your resentment or anger only complicates things and prolongs the inevitable: your freedom. Instead, you should look toward a new future with new dreams without the shadow of your current and past conflicts taking a front seat in your mind. Do not expect closure from an adversarial spouse, as they will likely never see your side of things. Look toward the future as a single individual and secure an experienced lawyer to make it happen that much quicker.

Contact a Tarrant County, TX Divorce Attorney

You do not have to let a high-conflict divorce take you under. You are in control of your future, and with a skillful and compassionate Dallas, TX divorce lawyer, that future looks bright. Contact the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz at 469-845-3031 to set up an appointment to discuss your impending divorce and future plans.