Going through a divorce is rarely easy, even when it is a mutual decision made by spouses who choose to part amicably. However, when the dissolution of marriage occurs within a particularly hostile dynamic, the process can be highly emotionally and legally challenging.
High-conflict divorces can make matters such as property division, child custody, and alimony feel almost impossibly tense and uncertain. In such circumstances, it can be easy to lose sight of what is important.
Working with an attorney who has experience handling high-conflict divorces can give you the perspective and legal advocacy you need to meet your goals. The Michigan high-conflict divorce attorneys at Alward Fisher have over 100 years of combined experience guiding clients through some of the most volatile family law challenges imaginable. With us on your side, you can feel confident about moving forward into a brighter future.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with one of our high-conflict divorce lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan.
What Are High-Conflict Divorces?
High-conflict divorces are divorces that involve a particularly elevated emotional charge and an element of potential danger to the parties involved, including children. High-conflict divorces are often referred to informally as “ugly divorces” or “messy divorces.” With feelings taken to the extreme, these cases often entail protracted and complicated legal battles.
While high-conflict divorces can have many points of origin, some of the most common include the following:
- Contested divorce – A contested divorce occurs when one spouse wants to dissolve the marriage, but the other does not. This type of divorce often occurs when one party wishes to end the marriage to be with someone else.
- Domestic abuse – One particularly serious reason for a high-conflict divorce is when there has been abuse or domestic violence within the marriage. These situations often involve law enforcement authorities and personal protection orders (restraining orders).
- Substance abuse – Alcohol or drug abuse by one spouse can put the other spouse and the children at particular risk of physical violence and emotional abuse. Addiction can make an individual volatile and unpredictable.
- Mental illness – Many people live with a spouse for years before they recognize the extent of the spouse’s mental illness. A particularly significant downturn in mental health can transform a standard divorce into a high-conflict one.
Each of these and other circumstances can present complex legal challenges in divorce proceedings requiring the assistance of an experienced Michigan divorce attorney like those at our law firm.
What Causes High-Conflict Custody Cases?
Children are often the ones who suffer the most in a contentious divorce process. High-conflict divorces can be particularly challenging for them.
High-conflict child custody cases can occur for many reasons, including:
- A breakdown in trust – When spouses feel as though they have been betrayed, they may take these feelings as a sign of the other party’s incapacity to make sound decisions regarding their child’s upbringing.
- Abuse – Domestic abuse or substance addiction can make one parent fear for their children’s safety in the presence of the other parent.
- Malice – The intense emotions of divorce can bring out the worst in some people. Cases where spouses use the custody of their children as bargaining chips to get other concessions are alarmingly common.
The legal team at Alward Fisher understands that the safety and well-being of your children are paramount among your concerns. We are prepared to fight aggressively to safeguard their best interests.
What to Expect in High-Conflict Divorce Cases
High-conflict divorces tend to be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining compared to more amicable divorces. In a high-conflict divorce, you can expect:
- Numerous court appearances to resolve disputes over issues like asset division, alimony, child custody and support, and more
- Aggressive legal tactics from the opposing side, like excessive demands, frequent objections, and digging for information to use against you
- Difficult negotiations as the other spouse fights you on every issue
- Contention over child custody, with things like excessive demands, parental alienation, and scrutiny of your parenting
- Potential involvement of third parties like guardians ad litem, parenting coordinators, or child custody evaluators to assess parenting
- False or exaggerated accusations against you as the other spouse tries to gain advantage
- Attempts to hide, move, or drain assets by the other spouse
These challenges make it critical to have an experienced and compassionate attorney to support you throughout the divorce process.
How Can Our Divorce Lawyers Help You Navigate Complex Property Division, Child Custody, and Alimony Disputes?
Our divorce attorneys have substantial experience with the unique challenges of high-conflict cases. We can:
- Advocate aggressively for your rights and interests regarding property division and assets
- Work to prove and protect your role as a fit, capable parent entitled to a fair custody arrangement
- Gather evidence you need regarding finances, assets, parenting history, and more to support your case
- Work with forensic accountants to locate hidden assets and ensure proper valuation of all marital property
- Hire parenting coordinators, evaluators, and other expert witnesses to strengthen your custody case
- Negotiate firmly on your behalf and take every issue to trial if favorable agreements can’t be reached
- Pursue fair child support and alimony awards
- Anticipate underhanded tactics from the other side and implement protective strategies
- Provide skilled legal representation at every hearing, proceeding, and trial
How to Prepare for a High-Conflict Divorce in Michigan
To prepare for high-conflict divorce proceedings, you should:
- Gather and copy important documents related to finances, assets, debts, children, and your marriage.
- Open your own separate bank account and credit cards and close joint accounts if possible.
- Build your support system with family, friends, and counselors.
- Make childcare plans for court dates and meetings.
- Keep notes documenting interactions, behaviors, and parenting time.
- Get valuations done early for real estate, businesses, retirement accounts, and other assets.
- Install home security like cameras and alarm systems in case of harassment, and change your locks if necessary.
- Speak cautiously and avoid unnecessary conflicts to prevent false accusations. Assume you’re being recorded.
- Find healthy stress outlets like exercise and hobbies.
Contact a Michigan High Conflict Divorce Lawyer Today
At Alward Fisher, we recognize the challenges you are facing during a high-conflict divorce. Our family law attorneys have the experience, skills, and knowledge to give you the support and advocacy you deserve at this difficult time. Let our compassionate Michigan divorce attorneys handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on building a better future.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help you.