When you decide that your marriage is no longer viable, filing for divorce may be in your best interest. However, you may assume that while this process can be incredibly stressful, it may not be as bitter and stressful as movies often make it out to be. Unfortunately, if your spouse is less than cooperative, you may find yourself in the midst of a high-conflict divorce. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about the steps you can take to navigate this process to reduce your stress and fight for the best possible outcome. Continue reading to learn more about this process and the importance of working with a Nassau County divorce lawyer to help guide you through these difficult matters.
What Makes a Divorce High-Conflict?
While the vast majority of divorces can be hard to navigate and emotional, often involving hurt feelings and arguments, some can be downright bitter. In general, these divorces are often hostile, drawn-out, and inundated by constant disagreements. Unfortunately, you’ll find that this can be emotionally draining and expensive.
In general, you’ll find that the primary characteristic of a high-conflict divorce in New York is the inability or unwillingness of one or both parties to cooperate. In some instances, this can be intentional as a means of punishing the other spouse for their decision to file, or due to emotional issues or certain personality disorders.
Common examples of behavior that are common in a high-conflict divorce include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Your spouse refuses to compromise
- Your spouse lies or manipulates
- They constantly try to blame you for the divorce
- They violate court orders
- They undermine you in front of your children
- They attempt to seek “revenge” on you for your perceived wrongs
- They attempt to hide assets from you
What Can I Do to Protect Myself and My Children?
If you believe you are in the midst of a high-conflict divorce in New York, there are important steps you can take to protect yourself and your children during these matters. Generally, one of the most important things you can do is keep all communication with your spouse in writing. When you are on the phone or discussing aspects of your divorce in person, it can become a “he said, she said” situation. As such, limiting communication to emails or texts is critical. Not only does this ensure you have proof of things your spouse has said, but it also helps ensure you can take the time to craft a professional, non-emotional response to what they’ve said.
You should also refrain from involving your children in any capacity. While your spouse may speak negatively about you in front of your children, you should avoid this, as it will help reduce their stress during this difficult matter.
Going through a high-conflict divorce can be incredibly difficult to navigate on your own. As such, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg to help you fight for the best possible outcome. When you are stuck in a hostile divorce, do not hesitate to contact our team today to learn how we can assist you.
