Divorce is rarely easy, but for some couples, intense conflict feels unavoidable. A high-conflict divorce is a contentious proceeding that usually involves high emotions. These cases can drag on for months after disputes over relatively minor issues bring the process to a halt.

You deserve legal counsel to keep your divorce case moving, even in a high-conflict situation. Resolving the divorce is your best chance for a fresh start, and the team at Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, PLLC, is here to help you every step of the way. 

Understanding High-Conflict Divorces

The term “high-conflict” describes a contentious divorce proceeding. While disputes are natural during this process, high-conflict divorces often devolve into emotional battles over the smallest issues. These cases are more than just contested matters, with disputes arising more out of animosity than necessity.

The process can become stressful and damaging for both parties, often involving constant legal battles that can impact finances, emotional well-being, and any children involved. Navigating a high-conflict divorce requires experienced legal representation to help navigate the complexities and reduce unnecessary confrontations.

Facts That Can Lead to Conflict

There are often warning signs that the breakdown of a marriage is likely to be rocky. While it is impossible to know for sure when your spouse will drag things out or make the process more difficult than it needs to be, certain factors often lead to these issues. Some examples include:

• History of drug abuse
• Habitual lying
• Revenge mentality
• Hostile behavior
• Narcissist
• Blames others for their problems
• Inability compromise
• Physical abuse

Several personality disorders can lead to a person being difficult to deal with during a divorce. These include issues like borderline personality syndrome, paranoia, and antisocial behavior. The result of these individuals facing the prospect of divorce can often lead to explosive encounters.

Addressing High-Conflict Issues in Court

While there isn’t a specific statute labeled “high-conflict divorce,” Texas courts follow guidelines within the Texas Family Code to manage divorces where significant conflict exists. Together we can work through the legal tools available to help resolve your divorce as amicably as possible. These tools may include parenting plans and supervised visitations, protective orders, spousal maintenance, or parenting coordinators or facilitators.

Note: Parenting coordinators or facilitators can be appointed in certain cases to help manage ongoing disputes between parents over child-related issues. Facilitators can enforce court orders.

Let an Attorney Help You Navigate This Conflict

When you rely on your legal team, you can resolve many of these issues without letting the case devolve into the kind of circular argument that leads to extensive delays.

It is important to be decisive throughout this process. Having a plan of action and sticking to it can help cut through the distractions and avoid unnecessary arguments. As your attorney, it is part of our role to help you craft this plan and keep the focus on reaching a fair resolution rather than being drawn into petty disputes. It is also helpful to document everything. Disputes can arise over the smallest of matters, but careful documentation could help you move past these issues when they arrive.

Finally, let your attorney focus on a dispassionate approach. Every time you avoid getting bogged down in an emotional argument, you strengthen your case and improve your odds of a favorable outcome. Sometimes mediation is an appropriate course of action that can help resolve issues with a neutral third party.

Talk to an Attorney About Your High-Conflict Divorce

While dealing with the breakdown of your marriage can be one of the most difficult times in your life, you have options for cutting through the conflict and resolving the underlying issues without delay.

Let Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, PLLC, assist you with your high-conflict divorce. Our team can protect your rights and advise you of your legal options. We look forward to the chance to serve. Contact us today to get started with your case.