5 Tips for Keeping Your Cool in a High-Conflict Divorce

 Posted on December 22, 2021 in Complex Divorce

Divorce is rarely pretty, but some cases are uglier than others. Divorce involving infidelity, abuse, reckless spending, or a high degree of contention can be extremely taxing. In high-conflict divorce cases such as these, it can be hard to keep your cool. However, lashing out at your soon-to-be-ex or making rash decisions based on emotion will only hurt your chances of a favorable divorce outcome. If you are engaged in a high-conflict divorce, consider the following tips for staying calm and focusing on the big picture.

How to Stay Levelheaded in a High-Conflict Divorce

Any divorce can be stressful, but a high-conflict divorce can make you feel like you are losing your mind. If you are in the middle of a hostile separation or divorce, you may be feeling intense anger, frustration, and resentment. Your spouse may be doing everything possible to upset you and make the divorce process as difficult as possible. Unfortunately, you cannot change your spouse’s behavior, but you can change how you respond to the behavior.

Negotiate issues through your attorneys – If your spouse refuses to cooperate, resolving divorce disagreements through mediation or informal discussions may be impossible. You may need to negotiate a settlement through your respective attorneys.

Get a protective order if needed – If you fear for your safety or the safety of your children, do not wait for the situation to escalate before taking action. Consider getting a protective order that will prohibit your spouse from coming near you or your children.

Do not retaliate – It can be extremely difficult to be the bigger person in a high conflict divorce – especially when your spouse is provoking you at every opportunity. However, retaliating against your spouse or seeking revenge will do nothing but worsen the situation.

Stay off of social media – Spouses in a high conflict divorce may use social media to try to upset or embarrass the other spouse. Responding to online provocations can escalate the conflict, so it may be best to avoid social media until the divorce is over.

Seek support from professionals – You do not have to go through a high-conflict divorce alone. In addition to a strong lawyer, consider working with a therapist, financial professional, and/or divorce coach.

Contact an Austin Divorce Lawyer

If you are involved in a high-conflict divorce, contact an Austin, Texas divorce attorney from Powers and Kerr, PLLC for help. Our aggressive divorce attorneys understand the unique challenges of a high-conflict divorce. We can stand up for your rights and advocate for you during property division negotiations, child-related matters, and more. Call 512-610-6199 today.

Sources:

https://guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce

https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/vs/protective_order.html