Understandably, facing the legal complexities of a divorce can be emotionally overwhelming and stressful. However, the process can be even more daunting when children are involved, as you will have to address the topic of child custody. Given the high stakes, it’s common for couples to have trouble agreeing on an appropriate child custody arrangement during divorce proceedings. Some custody disputes lead to significant legal battles where both parties are unwilling to compromise. If you’re facing a high-conflict custody battle, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Suffolk County Child Custody Attorney who can help you take the necessary steps to ensure a custody dispute doesn’t negatively affect you or your children.
What Are High-Conflict Custody Battles?
A high-conflict custody battle is a specific category of child custody dispute characterized by intense and prolonged parental conflict. These cases typically involve a significant level of hostility and communication breakdown, which makes it challenging to reach a mutually agreed-upon custody arrangement.
What Are Some Tips For High-Conflict Child Custody Disputes in New York?
While you can’t control how your former spouse acts or behaves, you can control your emotions and responses. If your former spouse tries to provoke a conflict, you should keep your emotions in check as it will keep the situation from escalating. Moreover, it would be best if you constructed a plan for when and where to have conversations regarding your children to ensure they don’t overhear the discussions or sense hostility. It’s essential to keep your children out of the middle. Don’t speak negatively about your former spouse in front of your children or ask them questions like who they would like to live with, as this can be upsetting for children. If your former spouse finds out that you’re engaging in this behavior in front of the children, they could use it against you in court.
Should I Create a Parenting Plan?
Another way you can de-escalate a high-conflict custody battle is by writing down your parenting plan. It’s important to compromise when appropriate, as offering a compromise can help foster the same behaviors from your former spouse. The more flexible you are with your plan, the more willing they will be to accommodate future requests. A written parenting plan can help set ground rules you can refer to during child custody litigation to prevent hostile disagreements.
Despite your best efforts, navigating a high-conflict custody battle can be difficult. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to retain the legal services of a seasoned attorney from The Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C., who can help protect your rights and prevent unnecessary tension and conflict with your former spouse. Our legal team is prepared to help ensure your child’s best interests are met.
