What Is a High Conflict Divorce in North Carolina?

As you might have guessed from the wording of the phrase, a “high conflict divorce” is not a smooth process. Regardless of their unique priorities and goals, the vast majority of spouses in Charlotte want to see their divorces resolved as quickly and easily as possible. If you are lucky, you and your spouse might agree on virtually every aspect of your divorce. You might negotiate out of court, creating a written agreement that the judge simply needs to review and sign. This is the ideal scenario, but not all spouses are so lucky.

Even if you and your spouse disagree on a relatively small detail of your divorce, you might find yourself in a prolonged legal battle if you cannot come to a resolution outside of court. These legal battles can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. However, if you feel strongly about certain aspects of your divorce, these legal battles are your only real option. This is when a normal divorce becomes a “high conflict divorce.”

High conflict divorces do not just come out of nowhere. In most cases, the relationship was already quite tumultuous and stressful before the separation took place. In situations in which one or both spouses exhibit a sense of hostility during and after the separation, arguments are almost inevitable. It is important to understand the factors that may lead to a high conflict divorce:

• Instances of cheating during the relationship may lead to accusations and a spouse having a “personal vendetta” against the other
• A spouse who has a history of lying may make divorce proceedings incredibly difficult and frustrating
• A spouse who has made false accusations in the past will likely continue to do so during the divorce
• A spouse who is “financially manipulative” may use a number of different tips and tricks to protect their wealth and prevent you from receiving what is rightfully yours
• A spouse who has threatened you with violence or committed violence against you may make you anxious about the divorce proceedings
• When one spouse is “dumped,” they may feel bitter and “out to get revenge” during the divorce proceedings
• A spouse with a history of substance abuse may present an outward image of sobriety, leading to deception during the divorce
• A spouse with a gambling addiction may pose a risk to the financial well-being of the estate without the court being aware of this danger
• Spouses with legitimate mental disorders can act in irrational ways, “stirring up conflict” during a divorce just because it gives them a sense of satisfaction

Couples can argue about a range of different topics during a high conflict divorce. The source of the conflict may be one small detail or a combination of many factors. Here are some common points of contention:

• Child Custody: One of the most common sources of conflict in North Carolina divorces is child custody. When both parents want primary custody, it is difficult to resolve the matter without a custody battle.
• Child Support: Spouses may also disagree on how much money should be forked over in child support payments. When one spouse is not willing to pay their fair share, a bitter fight can ensue.
• Alimony: Alimony is another common point of contention. Spouses may argue over the standard of living one spouse has become accustomed to during the marriage, and how much money should be paid to maintain this standard for the financially dependent spouse.
• Division of Property: Perhaps both spouses want the family home. If neither spouse is willing to back down, it can result in a major legal battle to determine who should have ownership of the property. If a resolution cannot be made, some couples may be forced to sell the property and divide the funds.

If you are approaching a high conflict divorce in Mecklenburg County, it makes sense to team up with the most qualified, experienced divorce attorney you can find. Legal representation is hardly a big deal when both couples agree on the aspects of their divorce, but this is rarely the case in a high conflict divorce. In order to succeed in your upcoming legal battle, it is absolutely essential that you enlist the help of a skilled attorney. Doing so will give you a real advantage in the courtroom.

If you have been searching Mecklenburg County for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Arnold & Smith, PLLC. We have a wealth of experience with high conflict divorces in Charlotte, and we will use a range of different strategies to lay that foundation to achieve a positive legal outcome in court. Approaching these legal battles can be less stressful when you have a skilled legal expert by your side. Reach out today, and we can help you move forward in an efficient, dignified manner.