Divorce is a challenging and often emotionally taxing undertaking. Even for the most well-meaning couples, some level of struggle and disagreement can arise. As you begin the procedure, you are advised to have one or more divorce strategies in place to help you safeguard your rights, belongings, and mental health. It doesn’t matter if you are handling problems related to custody of children, spousal support, or division of assets. Having a well-thought-out plan will help you deal with the intricate aspects of a divorce process.

Understanding High-Conflict Divorce

A divorce with a lot of conflict is characterized by constant, usually aggressive interactions between spouses, making legal processes and personal exchanges very challenging. Such cases often involve disagreements over child care, money matters, and other emotionally intense issues. 

In California, the law requires that parties cooperate as much as possible with the welfare of children and an equitable agreement as their main focus. Still, we are only human, so emotions and legal requirements don’t always line up.

How to Deal with Divorce: Key Strategies for Managing High-Conflict Divorce

When managing a high-conflict divorce, create a solid plan that can help you tackle every aspect of your case. A qualified divorce lawyer will be able to help you after acquiring a thorough understanding of your history. The following are some effective general divorce tactics you should apply as you work your way through your divorce procedure:

  • Keep your feelings under control: There will probably be times when you will be pushed toward an angry outburst. Find ways to keep your emotions under control so that you don’t take that bait. You can always vent later when you are alone or with someone you trust. However, when you are in court, or in the presence of your ex-spouse, their legal counsel and other involved parties, you must maintain strict composure. Letting your emotions drive what you do may result in poor choices that could negatively impact your situation.
  • Write everything down: Detailed records are indispensable. Keep extensive records of financial matters, and try to record every interaction you have with your ex-spouse, or other people who are relevant to your case. 
  • Keep direct interaction with your ex to a minimum: Once the divorce procedure is underway, let your lawyer do the talking for you. Direct interactions with your former partner are far too likely to degenerate into arguments, and you might say something you regret.
  • Collaborate with a proficient lawyer: Always make sure you have an excellent lawyer on your side. Your legal counsel will be able to help you devise an effective strategy, represent you in court and negotiation discussions, and generally make sure your divorce strategy is successful.

How to Protect Yourself in a Divorce

You have to make sure that you are protected both legally and emotionally as you go into your divorce procedure. Here are some methods you can apply to ensure your legal safety and peace of mind:

  • Know your financial situation: Ensure that you have a full grasp of your assets, debts, and income. This will ensure that you are always well-equipped to discuss financial matters and know where you stand. 
  • Put your children’s welfare first: Don’t focus on getting back at your ex, or getting more assets out of the divorce. Let your children be your highest priority. This is not only an admirable position from a moral perspective. It will also be beneficial as you go through the negotiations and deal with the courts. 

If you are dealing with a contested divorce, it is important to have a quality divorce lawyer to advise and represent you. At Westover Law Group, we have dedicated ourselves to representing our clients fearlessly and guarding their rights during the divorce process. We deal with intricate matters related to custody, divorce, and finances while providing personalized attention. 

Contact our Murrieta office for a free consultation. You can make a call at 951-894-8440 or fill out the contact form on our website. We are here to assist you in building effective divorce strategies.