Tips for Going Through a High-Conflict Divorce
Even under ideal circumstances, divorce can be very stressful. When emotions are running high and neither side is cooperative, the process can become even more complex. High-conflict divorce cases typically involve an unwillingness to cooperate, hostility between the two parties, and ongoing disputes. A Tampa complex divorce lawyer is an invaluable resource in these situations. An attorney can help you better prepare for the process so you can make informed decisions during the process.
What is a High-Conflict Divorce?
Any divorce case can become contentious, but that does not mean all contested cases are high-conflict. High-conflict divorce cases involve ongoing disputes that impede progress. One or both spouses may file repeated motions, exhibit hostile behavior, or use litigation to try and control the situation. Any communication between the conflicting spouses is often filled with accusations and blame. Even the smallest arguments can turn into serious legal battles.
High-conflict cases also typically involve recurring issues. These may include accusations of marital misconduct, hidden or undisclosed assets, or disagreements regarding parenting plans. When these circumstances exist, it is important to collect thorough evidence and use a cautious approach.
Establish Boundaries Regarding Communication
One of the most important things to do during a high-conflict divorce is to establish clear boundaries surrounding communication. Many of the issues that arise in these cases result from direct contact. Attorneys on both sides often act as intermediaries to reduce conflict. Your attorney may recommend that all communication go through them or that you put all communication in writing, such as text messages or emails.
Keep Your Emotions to Yourself
High-conflict divorces are even more emotional than the average case. Your spouse may try to provoke you into an emotional reaction that could ultimately hurt your case. When speaking to your spouse, keep your emotions to yourself. Seeking therapy or counseling is a healthy way to talk about your emotions, but never with your spouse.
Make a Detailed Parenting Plan
Disputes in high-conflict divorce cases involving children often center around time-sharing and parenting plans. These plans should always include important details, but the more specific they are in high-conflict divorces, the less chance there is that a dispute will arise in the future. In addition to decision-making responsibilities, time-sharing schedules, and transportation arrangements, you should also include rules for communication and the dispute resolution methods to be used when there is a disagreement.
Collect Important Evidence
High-conflict divorce cases often involve accusations that must be objected to or proven. Whether you are making these accusations or being accused of them, you need strong evidence to prove your case. Evidence can include business evaluations, text messages, financial records, social media posts, emails, and eyewitness testimony. Having this evidence means that factual decisions can be made rather than emotional ones.
Call Our Complex Divorce Lawyer in Tampa Maybe Florida
If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, it is critical that you obtain legal help. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Tampa complex divorce lawyer knows the obstacles these cases present and how to overcome them so you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us now at 1 (800) 990-7763 or contact us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
