Introduction:

This cannot be overstated. If you suspect your divorce may be contentious or have high-conflict disputes, finding the right attorney should be your first priority. Finding the right divorce attorney not only can help your divorce proceedings, but it can affect your quality of life post divorce. The decisions made in this agreement may affect the rest of your life. And if you have kids it can also seriously affect them. 

In this article we are going to talk about some problems that are more common in high-conflict divorces and the nightmares that some of our previous clients have gotten through with our help. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Finding a divorce attorney that is knowledgeable can help you defend against the toughest issues that occur in a contentious divorce such as unfounded allegations of child abuse, or domestic violence. 
  • Compton and Smith, PA knows how to help you filter through the nonsense in a high-conflict divorce and to fight for what actually matters for your future. 
  • Not all things need to be fought for in a divorce, a good attorney is honest and straightforward with you about what you have a chance of winning, and what is not worth fighting for. 

Unfounded Child Abuse Allegation:

This section specifically talks about unfounded or false accusations, in the event of a highly contentious divorce. Being accused of child abuse is a serious allegation and causes a variety of problems. Most individuals tend to want to protect children first and will treat you as if you have already received a guilty verdict. To many people, it feels right to alienate a potentially innocent friend than to support a child abuser. Not only is it frustrating to be accused of something so wrong, but divorce proceedings can last a while, and it can take time to clear your name. 

In the vast majority of circumstances, your innocence will eventually come to light. Do not do anything rash in the event of being accused as it can adversely affect your case. We have dealt with many contentious divorces with false child abuse allegations. At Compton and Smith, PA we are experienced in helping clear your name of unfounded allegations. 

Hidden Assets or Income

Divorce attorneys in general are experienced with hidden assets or income, and Compton and Smith, PA are no exception. We have plenty of experience dealing with hidden assets and income and we can help you as well. In any divorce all parties involved seek to gain as much as they possibly can from a divorce. As experienced divorce attorneys we know what is worth pursuing and what hoops to jump through in the divorce process. 

It is important to remember the long term goals of divorce when pursuing income and assets. Chasing money you believe your ex is hiding can oftentimes cost more than whatever may be hidden. In other cases instead of there being hidden income or assets, a complex accounting system can make it difficult to see what assets or income is available. Securing one of our attorneys who have experience in both of these instances to help you prepare for your future. 

Unfounded Domestic Violence Allegations

Unfounded allegations of domestic violence, much like false claims of child abuse, often arise during high-conflict divorces. It’s crucial to be mindful of your actions during this emotionally charged time. An experienced divorce attorney will likely advise you to make changes in your behavior to protect yourself from these types of allegations. For instance, losing your temper and engaging in public confrontations with your ex could easily escalate and lead to legal consequences, even if the situation is being misinterpreted. 

Domestic violence allegations can sometimes become a self-fulfilling prophecy if you’re not cautious. Following your attorney’s guidance is essential; they may recommend temporary adjustments, such as staying with friends or family, to avoid being in volatile situations that could be misrepresented or lead to further legal complications. By taking these precautions, you safeguard yourself against unnecessary legal risks and help ensure a smoother divorce process.

Lack of Access to Children

In bitter divorces some ex’s will do their best to restrict access to the children. While this can be extremely frustrating, it actually hurts the case of the parent withholding the children. It is damaging to the children involved as it strains their relationship with the withholding parent. It is difficult to lose any time with your children, but our veteran lawyers are able to work through this difficult time and help you get time with your children. 

Stolen Assets

In litigious divorces some spouses will attempt to remove objects and items  of value before the divorce occurs. The frustration is compounded when police officers remind you that there is nothing they can do while you are still married. It is important in these instances to document what is occurring and keep track of what is going on. When your case comes to court, it is important to have proof of the theft(s). 

Channel your momentary frustration into something productive by carefully documenting any relevant details and focusing on preparing for your day in court. Taking a proactive approach will help ensure that you’re organized and ready to present your case effectively.

Child Protective Services (CPS)

Dealing with Child Protective Services can be extremely frustrating without going through a divorce, add the two together and you have an incredibly stressful time. Most lawyers would agree that you should never meet with CPS without an attorney present. 

It is imperative that you have another witness there that can record the conversation. What can happen in a hostile divorce is that CPS may record your interactions incorrectly. Dealing with false abuse charges and incorrect CPS recordings can make it divorce court more difficult. 

Conclusion:

These are common issues and problems that can occur in combative divorces and ones that we have dealt with before. While these problems can be frustrating, our lawyers are ready to help you. If you are worried about any of these issues, give Compton and Smith, PA a call to schedule your initial consultation for free.