Understandably, when a marriage ends, conflict is bound to arise as couples are burdened with ironing out the terms that will apply to the termination of their marriage, including custody, support payments, and property division. With parenting time and hard-earned assets at stake, peaceful compromise is sometimes out of the question, especially when dealing with a combative partner. If disagreement becomes so intense that it starts negatively impacting daily life or the children’s well-being, the divorce can escalate to a high-conflict divorce. Such divorces can be challenging to handle alone and, if not dealt with properly, can result in an unfavorable divorce settlement. If you are currently facing a high-conflict divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted Rockland County Contested Divorce Attorney who can discuss practical approaches and guide you through every step of this complex legal process to help you achieve a favorable outcome. 

What is a high-conflict divorce?

A divorce is considered high-conflict when one or both spouses intentionally engage in harmful behavior to derail or prolong the legal process. It occurs when spouses deliberately inflict unnecessary emotional pain on one another. Although every divorce is different, signs of a high-conflict divorce may include combative communication patterns, constant arguing, and cruel behavior toward one another.

During a high-conflict divorce, minor disagreements can quickly intensify into major disputes, leaving one party feeling vulnerable and targeted. As such, it is crucial to learn how to navigate such divorces to prevent one party from feeling powerless or controlled, as it can result in being roped into agreeing to unfavorable divorce terms.

What strategies can I use to handle a high-conflict divorce in New York?

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is difficult. However, there are several practical approaches that you can follow to manage this complex situation proactively. The following include but are not limited to some of the strategies you can use to handle a high-conflict divorce:

  • Minimize contact. When dealing with a high-conflict divorce, you must keep communications natural when possible to avoid being reactive, as a highly combative person thrives on confrontation. They will take any opportunity to twist what you say to escalate a situation and even use your words against you. The best way to mitigate the risks of confrontation is to keep communications brief and eliminate face-to-face meetings when possible.
  • Do not involve your children. It’s tempting to bad-mouth your former spouse in front of your children as you may want them to be on your side. However, that is not healthy for your children. Disparaging your spouse to your children will do more harm than good. To safeguard your children’s well-being, keep negative comments regarding your former spouse to yourself. Ultimately, it would be best if you kept your feelings to yourself.
  • Avoid letting your emotions control you. It’s natural to feel overwhelming emotions when undergoing a divorce. Despite the changes you face, you should not let your feelings get the best of you. Not getting a grip on your emotions could result in outbursts that hamper your chances of achieving favorable results.

If you are undergoing a high-conflict divorce, contact a skilled attorney from The Law Office of Peter L. Jameson, PLLC, who can offer you quality legal support to fight for your future. Allow our firm to represent your interest today.