Divorce is rarely easy, with many experiencing overwhelming emotions like guilt, shame, and anger. However, these are only made worse by those determined to make this process as difficult as possible for their spouse. If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, understanding the steps you can take to reduce the tension between you and your spouse is crucial. The following blog explores what you can do to lessen friction and how divorce attorneys in Nassau County can assist you through this process.
What Constitutes a High-Conflict Divorce?
Generally, someone will go through a high-conflict divorce when they simply cannot come to any agreement with their spouse. Whether this is because their spouse is mentally ill or they just take pleasure in making things as difficult as possible, these situations can be incredibly frustrating for those involved.
Signs of a high-conflict divorce include refusal to compromise, argumentative behaviors, manipulation, and attempts to undermine the other spouse.
What Can I Do to Make This Less Stressful?
One of the most important things to make this time less stressful is to set boundaries for yourself and your spouse. Unfortunately, you may find it’s easy to become frustrated with their behavior and lose your composure, turning a conversation into an argument. As such, you should refrain from responding to inflammatory texts or deliberate attempts to upset you. You should also do everything possible to keep conversations limited to necessary discussions and keep them brief.
Another step you can take to reduce conflict is to avoid speaking negatively about your spouse in front of your children. Though you may have many reasons to be angry with their behavior, it’s necessary to shield your children from these frustrations. Unfortunately, driving a wedge between your children and your spouse can have detrimental impacts on their relationship with you and your spouse.
Finally, if you and your spouse truly cannot be around each other without an argument arising and you share children, it may be in your best interest to consider parallel parenting. Unlike co-parenting, in which both parties work with the other to make decisions regarding the child, this involves as little contact with each other as possible. While this may not seem ideal, it could be in your child’s best interest.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me During These Times?
If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, it is in your best interest to enlist the assistance of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. This helps ensure that your rights are protected as a spouse and parent while helping you avoid decisions that can negatively impact you.
Unfortunately, many spouses can become hostile and aggressive during a divorce. However, the team at Barrows Levy PLLC can help you navigate the complexities of these circumstances. Contact our firm today to learn how we will fight for you when facing an argumentative spouse.
