What Strategies Can I Use in a High-Conflict Divorce?

 Posted on August 15, 2024 in Complex Divorce

Divorce can be a draining and tense ordeal. Spouses often have strong disagreements about how to divide assets, how to share custody, and how to pay alimony. It is known to be an emotional process, especially when children and other family members are involved.

Sometimes, there are divorces where the discord and emotional tension are amplified. These are referred to as high-conflict divorces. In these cases, the emotions that surface are mostly negative, and hostility guides the divorce process. Level-headedness and reason become overwhelmed by malice and spite, leading to poor decision-making by both parties.

This article will discuss the signs of a high-conflict divorce and some strategies to navigate one successfully. If you think you may become embroiled in a high-conflict divorce, contact a Wisconsin high-conflict divorce attorney to protect you and your interests.

What Are the Signs of a High-Conflict Divorce?

In a high-conflict divorce, one or both of the parties exhibit an unwillingness to engage in the process in good faith. Instead, behavior becomes spiteful, and there is more focus on harming the other party than on settling the issues amicably. The following are some signs of a high-conflict divorce:

• The spouses exchange nasty and even bullying messages.
• One spouse makes threats having to do with the couple’s children.
• One of the parties wastes or damages assets so they cannot be divided in the divorce. This is referred to as the dissipation of assets.
• The parties badmouth each other to friends, family, and, in extreme cases, their children.
• A spouse cuts off financial support from the other.

This kind of behavior can not only derail the divorce process but can also harm others, especially children. However, certain strategies can help keep the conflict to a minimum.

What Are Some Effective Strategies to Use in a High-Conflict Divorce?

The following are some effective strategies that can be used to protect yourself in a high-conflict divorce:

• Keep communication with your spouse brief, to the point, and focused on the facts of the divorce. Facts can ground you and keep the conversation from spiraling out of control.
• Use parenting apps to help you and your spouse co-parent your child. Mobile apps like OurFamilyWizard are designed for parents to raise their children during and after divorce. A great feature of these apps is the ability to paraphrase your communications with your spouse so they are more civil.
• Keep records of communications. Try to stay away from phone calls and instead communicate through texts, emails, social media, or voice notes. This way you can keep a "paper trail" for the divorce proceedings.

Contact a Rock County, WI High-Conflict Divorce Attorney

The first step to take if you are facing a high-conflict divorce is to consult a Dane County, WI high-conflict divorce lawyer. At John T. Fields & Associates, LLC, we are known for our effective approach to high-conflict divorces, and we employ smart legal strategies that protect our clients and their interests. Call 608-729-3590 to speak with an experienced attorney today.