5 Tips for Protecting Your Rights During a High-Conflict Divorce

 Posted on May 23, 2023 in Divorce

High-conflict divorce cases are complicated, frustrating, and exhausting. Anyone who has gone through a divorce case involving a spouse who refuses to cooperate, withholds information, or otherwise makes the divorce as difficult as possible can attest to just how difficult high-conflict divorce is.

If you are getting divorced and there is little hope of an amicable separation, protecting yourself, your rights, and your finances is essential. Make sure you work with a divorce attorney who is familiar with the unique complications and difficulties associated with a high-conflict divorce.

Take inventory of Your Assets and Debts

When preparing for your divorce, one of the best things you can do is to take a full accounting of your financial situation. This is especially critical if your spouse was the one who typically handled financial issues such as paying the bills or managing investments. You need to know what you own and what you owe so you can make informed decisions regarding property division, spousal support, child support, and other financial matters during your divorce.

Recognize the Signs of Hidden Assets

Some spouses try to hide income sources or assets during the divorce so that property division and other matters are biased in their favor. Signs your spouse may be lying about finances or hiding money or property include:

• Unusual financial transactions such as large cash withdraws or large purchases

• Missing financial paperwork such as tax documents or credit card bills

• Rerouting mail to another location or a PO box

• Your spouse is very secretive about finances or gets angry when you ask questions

• Your spouse changes the passwords on your bank accounts or financial software

• Valuable items such as jewelry have gone missing

• Your spouse is insistent on repaying loans or debt that you knew nothing about

Consider a Temporary Order During the Divorce Process

High-conflict divorce cases take longer to resolve than typical divorce cases. Consider getting a temporary order to address issues such as child custody, placement, child support, and alimony during the divorce case.

Assemble Your Support Team, and Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Any divorce case is stressful, but a high-conflict divorce is one of the most stressful things anybody can go through. Assemble your support team now. Do not be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, religious leaders, or anyone you feel comfortable opening up to.

Shield Children from the Drama as Much as Possible

If you share children with your soon-to-be ex, it may be tempting to speak negatively about him or her. However, it is important to keep children out of the conflict as much as possible. There may be no way to completely eliminate the negative impact of the divorce on them, but keeping adult conversations between the adults can go a long way.

Contact our Madison High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting divorced and the process has been less than amicable, you need a divorce lawyer who understands what you are going through and how to help. Madison divorce attorney John T. Fields has over three decades of legal experience. He and the rest of the team at John T. Fields & Associates, LLC are here to provide the skilled legal counsel and representation you need. Call 608-455-0074 for a consultation.

Source:

https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/FA-4100V_instructions.pdf?formNumber=FA-4100V&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en