As with any relationship-conflict, divorces exist on a wide spectrum of high and low conflict. Generally, many low-conflict marriages can result in low-impact divorces, while high-conflict marriages typically lead to high-conflict divorces. When trying to assess the conflict level of your relationship with a partner that you are going through a divorce with, consider these factors:
Mediation
Low-conflict marriages are typically low-conflict divorces. As such, these divorces can sometimes be settled with meditation, which can be a less expensive alternative to divorce. A successful mediation can result in a friendly divorce after proceedings. Alternatively, high-conflict divorces often require more significant litigation in order to protect assets and secure favorable custody agreements if children are involved.
Prioritizing Their Children
Low-conflict divorced couples often are able to put aside conflicts with their ex in order to prioritize their children’s well-being. Often, high-conflict divorced couples allow their animosity for one another to overcome the well-being of shared children. Ultimately, one of the best things that a divorced couple can do for their children is to create an effective co-parenting plan that has the child’s best interest in mind.
Fair Settlements
Low-conflict divorced couples prioritize fair and secure settlements instead of opting for expensive divorce trials that can ultimately harm both parties involved and the children. On the contrary, high-conflict divorce couples often overspend on litigation, which ultimately can harm both parties involved in the long-term.
Communication
Many high-conflict divorced couples heavily overuse electronic communication such as text messages and emails when fighting with one another. This approach is an unhealthy mechanism to deal with conflict, which ultimately can lead to exaggerated conflicts between divorced couples. Instead, low-conflict couples communicate effectively with one another and rarely make threats or accusations about the other party.
For the well-being of yourself and your family, it is wise to adapt many of the approaches of low-conflict couples. Ultimately, this can help you to save money, avoid a stressful legal battle, and protect the sanity of your family.
If you are considering a divorce, one of the first steps to take is to contact a reputable divorce attorney. Selecting the right lawyer to represent you during this trying time is crucial. It is so important that you choose someone who understands what you are going through and who has the patience to guide you step by step through the process. When making your selection, look for someone who meets these basic criteria and is accessible 24/7, shows compassion, is experienced in both negotiation and litigation, and offers a valuable initial consultation.
Above all, look for someone who will put your interests first! Remember, although you want someone who is a skilled litigator in case the need for litigation arises, it is best to avoid an attorney who seems to favor litigation when negotiation or mediation would be in your best interests.
Undoubtedly, divorce is stressful, but the experienced and compassionate Bergen County divorce attorneys at Aretsky Law Group, P.C., are dedicated to guiding you through the difficult process with as little anxiety as possible. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and your needs met.