High-Conflict Divorce: Strategies for Reducing Stress and Reaching Resolution

Going through a divorce in Houston or elsewhere in Texas? You are certainly not alone. Thousands of marriages end each year. Divorce is hard. With that being said, not every divorce is a high-conflict divorce. However, if you and your spouse do have serious conflict, it is imperative that you take a proactive approach. There are strategies that you can use to help turn down the temperature and move your case towards a resolution. Here, our Houston divorce attorney provides a guide to the strategies for navigating a high-conflict divorce case in Texas.

Strategies for Reducing Stress and Reaching a Resolution in a High-Conflict Divorce in Texas

Strategy #1: Keep Communication Focused On Practical Matters (Limit it if Necessary)

Open and transparent communication is a good thing in a divorce case. At its best, it can help to move the parties towards a settlement. However, too much communication in an emotional, high-conflict divorce case can actually cause problems. For that reason, a sensible strategy is often to limit direct communication to necessary topics like child schedules, finances, or pending court deadlines. You generally want to avoid emotional exchanges that can escalate tension. Many high-conflict divorces benefit from structured communication. You may even want to make sure that all communication is handled through your Houston, TX divorce lawyer. Clear, neutral communication helps to set the table for productive settlement negotiations.

Strategy #2: Make Sure You Gather and Organize Comprehensive Documentation

You should keep organized records of all financial transactions, parenting time, communications, and court filings. Evidence is key in a divorce case. It is key to moving the process forward, and it is key to ensuring that your rights and your interests are protected each and every step of the way. Here is one big thing to remember:

• High-conflict divorces often involve contested facts.

In Texas, Rule 194 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allows the discovery of extensive documents and records. Properly maintained evidence supports your claims and reduces “he-said, she-said” disputes. Try to do your best to save copies of texts, emails, and bank statements. The more information you have, the better positioned you will be to navigate your divorce.

Strategy #3: Set a Realistic Goal for Settlement and Know Your Highest Priorities

One of the best mindsets to reduce stress and move a high-conflict divorce case to a resolution is to remember that you are probably not going to get everything that you want. That is part of settlement negotiations in a divorce. There is some “give and take.” A common mistake in high-conflict cases is fighting every small issue. Texas Family Code § 7.001 directs courts to divide marital property in a manner that is “just and right,” not necessarily equal. You should focus on outcomes that serve your long-term interests rather than emotional wins. When you know your true priorities, you will be in a better position to navigate the process. Among other things, be sure to identify non-negotiables early so that you have flexibility to negotiate elsewhere. An experienced Houston, TX divorce lawyer can help you develop an effective strategy.

Strategy #4: Consider Structured Mediation and/or a Structured Settlement Conference

High-conflict divorce cases in Texas often cannot be settled using an informal process. Informal negotiations may work well for more straightforward, low-conflict situations. However, with a high-intensity divorce, it is best to consider structured options, such as divorce mediation or a settlement conference. A more structured process can help spouses who are dealing with serious conflict focus on the practical issues that are at the heart of their cases. Here is a key thing to remember:

• In Texas, litigation can often still be avoided in high-conflict divorce cases.

Indeed, our state strongly encourages alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 154.021, courts can order mediation to promote settlement. Mediation provides a neutral environment where parties can discuss issues privately and confidentially. A trained mediator can defuse hostility and identify practical compromises. A top Houston divorce lawyer can represent you during the mediation process.

Strategy #5: Make Sure You Have the Right Texas Divorce Attorney

Divorce is challenging. It can be extremely difficult to navigate a high-conflict divorce case. You do not have to figure out everything on your own. The right Houston divorce lawyer can make a big difference. High-conflict cases demand proactive legal management. A skilled Houston divorce lawyer can identify points of leverage, manage discovery efficiently, and protect your rights during negotiation or trial.

Our Houston divorce lawyer can help move your case towards a resolution. Our firm puts an emphasis on settlement because many divorce cases can be resolved in a more amicable, cost-effective manner outside of litigation. However, there are exceptions. We are a trial-tested Texas family law firm that is always ready to take aggressive action to protect your legal rights, your financial interests, and your family when it matters most.

Why Trust Our Texas Family Lawyer for a High-Conflict Divorce

Family law is complicated. While going through a divorce is never easy, it can be especially challenging if you and your spouse have a high level of conflict. That conflict could be over finances, parenting, or a wide range of other matters. At Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, we provide solutions-focused, results-driven legal representation in high-conflict divorce cases in Texas. Your initial consultation with our Houston divorce lawyer is confidential and carries no obligations.

Call Our Houston High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer for Immediate Legal Assistance

At Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, our Houston divorce attorney has the skills and experience to handle even the most high-conflict cases. Are you going through an especially challenging divorce with a spouse? We can help. Call us at (888) 378-1784 or contact us online for your completely confidential consultation. From our Houston office, we provide family and divorce representation in Harris County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, and Montgomery County.