Going through a divorce is rarely easy. Not only are you grieving the loss of an important relationship in your life, but you may also find that the numerous legal and financial decisions you must make can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, if your spouse refuses to cooperate, this can make matters even worse. As such, if you are going through a high-conflict divorce on Long Island, understanding the steps you can take to make this process less stressful for yourself and your family is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Long Island divorce lawyer to assist you through these difficult times.
What Is a High-Conflict Divorce?
While bitter divorces in which spouses only speak through their attorneys may seem like something that only happens in movies, this is unfortunately a reality for some. A high-conflict divorce occurs when one or both spouses engage in behavior over the course of the divorce with the intention of making matters more difficult for their spouse. Often, this behavior is caused by hurt, betrayal, or to “punish” their spouse for filing for divorce or the actions that led to the divorce.
Most commonly, this behavior manifests in a refusal to cooperate or communicate with their partner as a means of intentionally causing stress or delays to the divorce process. Spouses will often form rigid ways of thinking about the outcome of the divorce, with no willingness to compromise to make matters easier for all involved.
Additionally, they may argue that certain information is requested or intentionally wait until the last possible date to submit the necessary forms as a way of elongating this process to cause mental fatigue to their spouse. In other instances, a high-conflict divorce can look like constant arguing and provocation, as well as continuous demonization of one spouse, especially to children.
What Can I Do to Make This Process Less Stressful?
If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, there are steps you can take to help alleviate the stress of this process. One of the most important things you can do is refrain from broadcasting the details of your divorce. Instead, it is in your best interest to keep this matter private instead discuss the matter with your trusted support system. Any attempt to publicly broadcast the details of your divorce can be viewed negatively by the courts.
In addition, you should ensure that all communication between you and your spouse is written. Not only does this help ensure that you have evidence of your conversations, but it also allows you the opportunity to take time to respond to their behavior in a calm, professional manner. Keeping your side of the conversation cordial and focused on the topic at hand is critical during these matters, as feeding into their attacks can only increase your stress.
As you can see, navigating a high-conflict divorce can be an incredibly overwhelming matter. That is why it is crucial to connect with an experienced attorney to help guide you through these times. At Barrows Levy PLLC, we understand how frustrating these circumstances can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you right for the best possible outcome. When you need help, our firm is here. Contact us today to learn more.
