Understanding High Conflict Divorces in North Carolina

At first, a high-conflict divorce might seem like a relatively simple and straightforward concept in North Carolina. After all, the clue is in the name, right? A high-conflict divorce can often mean a separation filled with bitter arguments and prolonged disputes. Unfortunately, these kinds of divorces are relatively common in North Carolina. While some couples manage to separate on good terms and with few conflicts, other situations require them to go through a time-consuming, stressful legal battle to resolve their separation.

The separation process is relatively simple for couples who agree on virtually every aspect of a divorce in North Carolina. Couples simply draft an agreement that covers every facet of their divorce, sign it, and have a judge review it. If the agreement is in order, it will be approved, and the spouses will save themselves costly legal fees, weeks, and a fair amount of stress. On the other hand, massive disputes can arise even if couples disagree on a tiny, almost insignificant detail of their divorce. Before they know it, they are engaged in a bitter, lengthy legal battle.

Of course, even high-conflict divorces can be resolved relatively quickly and easily, provided you hire a skilled divorce attorney. These legal professionals can guide you through virtually every aspect of your divorce, and they can guide you toward success in your legal battle against your spouse. Although these situations are never straightforward, achieving a positive legal outcome is much easier if you team up with a legal professional.

Several potential factors can lead to high-conflict divorce. Usually, these factors are present long before the separation takes place. Understanding the root cause of conflicts in a divorce is crucial if you want to resolve the issues at hand. Here are some common causes of high-conflict divorce:

• One or both couples have cheated during the marriage, leading to hostility and a lack of trust during the divorce
• Spouses have lied or made false accusations in the past, destroying their integrity in court and impairing the divorce proceedings
• One spouse has considerable financial expertise and has set up trusts or other methods to prevent another spouse from receiving alimony, property, or child support
• When one spouse does not want the divorce to take place, they may employ desperate measures to prolong the separation in an effort to get back together
• Spouses may develop real mental disorders and issues as a result of a divorce, causing them to act in highly irrational ways

Couples can argue about all kinds of different things during a high-conflict divorce. Sometimes, spouses get into heated debates over something that may seem minor to outsiders. For example, couples may argue about who gets the family pet or who gets the family car. In other situations, spouses argue about more meaningful topics that have an impact on the rest of their lives. Here are some of the most common examples:

• Child Custody: When it comes to divorce, spouses generally feel very strongly about what happens to their children. One parent may believe that their spouse is unfit to be a parent. Some might even believe that their children would be in danger if they lived with the other spouse on a permanent basis. In situations like these, it should come as no surprise that some spouses are willing to fight tooth and nail to gain primary custody.
• Child Support: Spouses may also argue about child support - what it covers, how much money will be handed over, and how long the child support payments will continue.
• Alimony: Many spouses argue over whether or not alimony is even warranted. If it is, then these spouses may argue over the number of alimony payments and how long they will continue.
• Division of Property: Couples may argue over many pieces of property during the equitable division process. These may include family homes, cars, investments, retirement funds, and so on.

If you have been searching Iredell County for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. We have considerable experience with high-conflict divorces, and we are familiar with all of the various methods your spouse might try to use in court. Not only can we counter the legal efforts made by your spouse, but we can also strengthen your own arguments and ensure that you achieve a favorable legal outcome. Reach out today to book your consultation, and we can develop an action plan together.