Understanding Your Divorce Journey

If you are facing a high-conflict divorce in New York, it is likely that you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. Divorce can be one of the most emotionally taxing experiences of a person’s life, and the added strain of conflict can make the process even more challenging. If you find yourself caught in a dispute with your spouse, you may be wondering how to handle the situation in the best way possible. Whether it involves child custody disagreements, property division issues, or accusations of misconduct, we understand the emotional toll these disputes take. Rest assured, you are not alone. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you have the support and direction needed to navigate these difficult times.

Richard H. Cole
Partner

Thomas F. Hewner
Partner

Donna L. Haslinger
Partner

Vivian P. Roche'
Partner

Keith R. Rosso
Attorney

Tasha D. Frazie
Attorney

A high-conflict divorce requires a careful approach, one that balances both legal and emotional considerations. The key to managing this type of divorce is maintaining a focus on your goals, while minimizing further stress. Understanding how to approach this challenging time and what steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. goal is to help you secure the best possible results while protecting your interests.

The Impact of High-Conflict Divorce

High-conflict divorces are often marked by intense disagreements that escalate into major legal battles. The parties involved may struggle to agree on even the simplest issues, and emotions can run high. It’s important to acknowledge the significant toll this kind of conflict can have on your mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. It is also essential to understand that high-conflict divorce cases tend to take longer and require more attention from both parties and their attorneys.

One of the first things to realize is that in a high-conflict divorce, maintaining civility can be extremely difficult. The legal battles may involve accusations of poor parenting, financial misconduct, or even infidelity. When these types of disputes arise, it is crucial to remain focused on what is most important—securing a fair resolution that protects your future and the future of your children, if applicable.

It’s easy to become caught up in anger and frustration, but taking a step back and addressing the situation calmly and strategically will lead to the best possible outcome. You may also find that maintaining a level of emotional distance will help you avoid making decisions based on negative feelings, which can often complicate things further.

Key Considerations for High-Conflict Divorce

In a high-conflict divorce, there are a number of key areas where legal intervention is often needed to ensure that the process moves forward smoothly. Issues involving child custody, property division, and spousal support can become particularly contentious, and it’s essential to know how to protect your interests in these areas.

Child custody and visitation disputes are particularly common in high-conflict divorces. If you and your spouse cannot agree on parenting time or living arrangements, the court may need to intervene to make a determination that is in the best interest of the child. While courts always prioritize the welfare of the children, they will also consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, emotional ties between the child and each parent, and any history of abuse or neglect.

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Property division is another issue that often leads to conflict in divorce cases. In New York, property is divided according to the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that assets and debts will be divided in a way that is fair, but not necessarily equal. In a high-conflict divorce, both spouses may fight for control of certain assets, and this can lead to complicated negotiations and legal proceedings. The court will assess the value of assets, contributions to the marriage, and other factors to determine an equitable division.

Spousal support, also known as alimony, may also be a contentious issue in high-conflict divorces. One spouse may feel entitled to support, while the other may argue that support is not necessary. The court will consider factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial situation of both spouses, and each party’s ability to support themselves.

The Role of Your Attorney in a High-Conflict Divorce

When you are involved in a high-conflict divorce, the role of your attorney becomes even more critical. The right attorney will not only provide sound legal advice, but will also act as a mediator to help ease the emotional tension during the divorce process. At the outset of the case, your attorney will work to understand your goals and priorities, and will develop a strategy to help you achieve those objectives.

The legal team you choose will need to be prepared for a lengthy battle. High-conflict divorces often involve substantial amounts of discovery, negotiations, and sometimes even litigation. Your attorney should be able to handle every aspect of the case, from gathering evidence to representing your interests in court, should the need arise. One of the main goals in any high-conflict divorce is to minimize the stress on you while making sure your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.

Your attorney will also help to ensure that your case remains on track. High-conflict divorces can often become drawn out due to constant disputes and the failure of both parties to agree on even minor issues. An experienced attorney can keep the process moving forward by handling negotiations efficiently and keeping your case focused on the key issues.

Managing Emotions During a High-Conflict Divorce

Divorce is an emotional process, and a high-conflict divorce can amplify those feelings. Managing emotions during this time is essential to maintaining clarity and making sound decisions. It’s important to recognize when you may be allowing emotions to cloud your judgment, and it is helpful to lean on a support network of friends, family, and professional counselors during this time.

While your attorney will help you navigate the legal aspects, it is also beneficial to focus on self-care and emotional support. Divorce can be a life-changing experience, and it’s important to prioritize your emotional wellbeing as well as your legal standing. Taking care of yourself will help you stay strong throughout the process and allow you to focus on building a positive future.

How the Law Firm Can Help You Navigate the Process

At Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., we understand how difficult a high-conflict divorce can be. Our team is here to provide you with the legal experience and emotional support you need to achieve a favorable resolution. We will work with you every step of the way, providing personalized service and offering clear guidance to help you navigate the complexities of your case.

If you are facing a high-conflict divorce, it is important to take action early. The longer a conflict drags on, the more difficult it can become to reach a fair resolution. By choosing an experienced law firm to represent you, you can gain peace of mind knowing that your case is in capable hands.

The experienced attorneys at Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. are committed to helping you resolve your divorce in the best way possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start working towards a brighter future. We are here to help you every step of the way.