How to Handle a High-Conflict Divorce

Getting divorced in Michigan is stressful enough when you and your spouse are generally in agreement regarding the terms of your divorce and able to work together without too much discord. However, if you and your spouse disagree on the divorce terms and cannot resolve your differences without involving the courts in prolonged legal battles, the process can quickly become more stressful.

High-conflict divorces are often expensive, frustrating, and time-consuming for the parties involved. But effective legal representation can make the process less of a struggle. Hiring a high-conflict divorce attorney in Michigan is the best step you can take to reach your goals.

Kraayeveld Family Law has handled divorces and other family law issues in Michigan for over 30 years, and we know how stressful a high-conflict divorce is. We are ready to use our skills and experience to defuse the tensions between you and your spouse, saving you time, energy, and money. If, however, your spouse refuses to be reasonable, we are ready to protect your interests in court and help you start your life’s next chapter on the best footing.

Call now at (616) 383-2679 or complete our contact form for a confidential consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!

Why You Need a High-Conflict Divorce Attorney

Everything feels harder when you are going through a high-conflict divorce. Emotions run high, and small decisions often become major battles.

You may be dealing with a spouse who is manipulative, controlling, or constantly looking for a fight. Such an environment makes it extremely difficult to protect your rights, stay focused on your goals, shield your children from the emotional fallout, and start the next phase of your life.

A high-conflict divorce attorney from Kraayeveld Family Law can guide you through the storm while protecting your interests. Our high-conflict divorce lawyers understand the tactics your spouse might use and know how to keep the situation from spiraling out of control.

Our experienced attorneys can help you set firm boundaries, protect you from abusive or coercive tactics, communicate effectively through legal channels, and focus on the big picture.

Characteristics of High-Conflict Divorces

Some common characteristics of high-conflict divorces in Michigan include:

• Frequent arguments – Disagreements, often over minor issues, turn into intense, ongoing fights.
• Poor communication – One or both spouses may avoid talking altogether or use texts, emails, or voicemails to insult or manipulate the other.
• Blame and finger-pointing – Each side sees the other as the problem and refuses to take responsibility for their own actions. Such a perspective frequently means there is little room for compromise or resolution.
• Use of the legal system as a weapon – One spouse might file unnecessary motions, delay court proceedings, or misuse the system to gain power or punish the other party. For example, one spouse may call the police on the other or seek a restraining order to paint the other as abusive or unworthy to raise the couple’s children.
• Parental alienation – A parent may try to turn the children against the other parent by making negative comments, blocking visitation, or spreading false information.
• Control and manipulation – Angry or manipulative spouses often try to control situations through intimidation, guilt, or emotional blackmail to reach their goals.
• Unresolved emotional baggage – Anger, resentment, jealousy, or feelings of betrayal often fuel ongoing hostility in high-conflict divorces, making it difficult for the couple to move forward.
• Inflexibility – One or both spouses refuse to compromise or cooperate, even when doing so would benefit the children or help finalize the divorce more quickly.

What to Do if You Are Caught in a High-Conflict Divorce

While it is not always possible to anticipate a high-conflict divorce, knowing what to do in the situation can save you time, money, and energy as your case progresses.

Here are some tips on what to do if you are in the middle of a high-conflict divorce in Michigan:

• Stay calm and patient. Emotional reactions can escalate conflict and hurt your case. Protect your emotions by limiting contact to written communication or through your attorney.
• Keep communication brief and respectful. Only speak to your spouse when necessary. Stick to the facts and ignore them if they try to provoke you.
• Document everything. Keep records of texts, emails, calls, and other interactions with your spouse. The written proof can help in court if your spouse lies, threatens you, or acts inappropriately.
• Focus on your goals. Do not let distractions or drama pull you away from what matters most: protecting your well-being and pursuing a fair outcome.
• Call an attorney at Kraayeveld Family Law. Our high-conflict divorce attorneys can take over communication, represent your interests, and help you build a strategy to get through the process.
• Obtain detailed court orders. When your court orders provide significant details, it will eliminate some of the conflicts.

Divorce Strategies That Work in High-Conflict Cases

A proper strategy can make all the difference in a high-conflict divorce. Start by setting clear goals. Know what you want regarding custody arrangements, property, and financial support. You also need to let your attorney handle most of the communication with your spouse to reduce tension and keep things from spiraling out of control.

It also helps to gather and organize key documents early, such as bank records, tax returns, and parenting schedules. The better prepared you are for financial disputes, the stronger your case can be. Likewise, your attorney can help you obtain independent verification regarding your spouse’s valuations and through the discovery process obtain missing valuations.

You should also consider asking the court for temporary orders to establish clear rules while the divorce is in progress. Judicial orders can cover issues like parenting time, support, and even who stays in the home.

If your spouse keeps causing problems, your attorney may suggest using tools like court-monitored communication and co-parenting apps or requesting evaluations to address parenting concerns in custody battles. Staying focused, proactive, and legally informed can give you the best chance at a fair outcome.

In some high-conflict situations, it may be necessary to involve mental health professionals who can help the divorcing parties develop coping strategies to manage the emotional toll of ongoing conflict and legal proceedings.

How Do You Win a High-Conflict Divorce Case?

Winning a high-conflict divorce is not just about what happens in court. It is also about how you manage yourself. If your spouse is constantly trying to provoke you, do not take the bait. Develop strategies to de-escalate conflicts instead. Losing your temper and displaying intense emotions, even once, could damage your credibility and give your spouse the upper hand.

The second part of winning a high-conflict divorce case is following the legal process carefully. Meet deadlines, stay organized, follow all court orders, and let our legal professionals do the heavy lifting. A strong, focused legal strategy puts you in the best position for success in the divorce process.

Contact Kraayeveld Family Law for Help Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce

The high-conflict divorce attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law understand the stress that comes with high-conflict divorce dynamics and can help you work to resolve your case more smoothly.

Call us now at (616) 383-2679 or complete our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with our skilled attorneys.