High Conflict Divorce in Georgia: What You Need to Know

A high-conflict divorce is one in which one or both spouses engage in destructive behaviors to intentionally delay or derail the divorce process, or to cause unnecessary emotional pain to the other spouse. In a high-conflict divorce, disagreements between the spouses are so intense and frequent that they disrupt the daily lives of the spouses and children, and no one is able to resolve the conflict.

Strategies When Divorcing a High Conflict Spouse

When the time comes to divorce a high-conflict spouse, there are some strategies you should enact to make the process as easy as possible.

Hire an Experienced Attorney
An attorney who has experience handling high-conflict divorces can help you to protect your rights and interests. A Gwinnett County high-conflict divorce attorney can make all the difference in your situation.

Talk to Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC, today about your high conflict spouse. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect in all areas of your life, including your marriage. You do not have to fight through a high-conflict divorce by yourself. Call our office today at (678) 436-3636 to schedule a consultation.

Set Boundaries
It is important to set boundaries with your high-conflict spouse, both during and after the divorce. This means limiting communication to only what is necessary, and not engaging in arguments or emotional outbursts. You can also set boundaries by doing the following:

• Limiting events where the two of you are together by setting a schedule to be with your children
• Avoiding attending parties or holiday gatherings held by friends or family members if you know your spouse will be in attendance
• Limit all communication (force yourself to only answer a phone call, text, or email from your spouse once per week, if possible)

Document Everything
Keep a record of all communication with your spouse, including emails, text messages, and phone calls. This documentation can be helpful in the event that your spouse tries to make false accusations against you. Provide copies of these items to your high-conflict divorce attorney so they can use them in the divorce proceedings to protect your rights.

Protect Your Children
If you have children, it is important to protect them from the conflict between you and your spouse. This may mean limiting their exposure to your spouse, or seeking a court order to keep your spouse away from you and the children.

Take Care of Yourself
It is important to take care of yourself emotionally and physically during a high-conflict divorce. This means eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. It is also important to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. The more you take care of yourself, the less of an impact the high-conflict divorce will have on you emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Common Issues That Arise in High-Conflict Divorce Cases

A high-conflict divorce case often involves the following issues that a divorce attorney can help you resolve:

• Expanding the scope of litigation and causing unnecessary delays:  Often one spouse will engage in tactics that cause the case to last longer and to cost more just to spite the other party. Unfortunately, some of these tactics are perfectly legal and permitted under Georgia law. By being patient and not getting frustrated when your spouse engages in this behavior, you will not give the other party the satisfaction of seeing you stressed out and frustrated. If the tactic is one that is not permissible by law, then your attorney can seek attorney fees against the other side. Try not to make time-sensitive big post-divorce plans that depend on your divorce ending quickly. If you are planning a new marriage, purchase of a specific home, or other major changes, your spouse may drag the divorce out simply to prevent you from moving forward. If you do make these plans, do not share them with your spouse or others as they will be able to sense your desire for a quick resolution and may use this against you.
• Domestic violence: A narcissistic spouse often abuses their spouse mentally, emotionally, and physically. The abuse will likely continue even after filing for divorce unless you find the right divorce attorney who can handle a high-conflict divorce case.
• Financial disputes: Your high conflict spouse will likely argue over spousal support, child support, and other financial issues related to the divorce. If your divorce is one that can be labeled as a high-asset divorce, this will make matters much more challenging.
• Child custody fights: A high conflict spouse might try to involve your children in the disputes between you and them, especially as you work to determine child custody arrangements.

It is in your best interest to speak to a Gwinnett County high-conflict divorce attorney today about your case. This is one of the most difficult divorces to endure, especially if you have children. Call Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC, today to start the divorce process in Georgia.

How a Skilled Divorce Attorney Can Help You

Cases involving high-conflict divorce in Georgia are complex. Dealing with a high conflict spouse is never easy, which is why you are likely filing for divorce in the first place. A skilled divorce attorney can assist you with the following:

• File the initial divorce request
• Gather evidence that supports your spouse is a high conflict spouse
• Represent you at all hearings, meetings, and mediation appointments
• Have a clear understanding of the Georgia divorce laws
• Advocate on your behalf at all times
• Protect your rights

Contact a Gwinnett County High-Conflict Divorce Attorney Today

In a high-conflict divorce, you need an aggressive attorney who can protect your rights and help you navigate this stressful situation. Call Attorney Sharon Jackson, LLC, today at (678) 436-3636 to schedule a consultation. The sooner you schedule a consultation, the sooner you will have a better understanding of the divorce process and the challenges you might face when divorcing a high-conflict spouse.