Resolving High Conflict Divorce
Divorce can be extremely difficult for families; however, it may be particularly hard when there are major conflicts between the parties. And, of course, when there are children involved it can be even more problematic. One of the many areas of contention may be child custody issues, which can be complex and hard to resolve. The main thing to consider in such instances is the child. Parents must put the children first and provide them with the love and reassurance they need during this stressful transition.
Consider a Guardian Ad-Litem
Because children are your first priority one way to ensure that their needs are protected is with the appointment of a guardian ad-litem. This is a professional appointed by the court to represent the child throughout the divorce proceedings. This individual coordinates with the child’s important contacts to gather information that will assist in making decisions that are in the child’s best interest. The guardian may speak with teachers, relatives, coaches, and others to learn details that can be used to resolve custody and visitation conflicts.
Meet With a Psychologist
A psychologist will analyze you to help determine how well you are able to care for the child. An evaluation may be completed for both parents in a high conflict divorce. The psychologist may conduct interviews and testing in order to provide a complete professional evaluation that can be used in court. This type of assessment can provide critical information when one spouse has accused the other of being unfit to parent the child. Your attorney will assist in choosing a psychologist to work with.
Deposition
In cases of high conflict divorce, your attorney may want to question the other parent or other witnesses with a formal deposition. The deposition is a legal method of asking important questions that may be relevant to the case. Recording these statements can be helpful later on because the witness is locked into statements made at the deposition. If you are deposed it is essential that you properly prepare with your own attorney ahead of time. Also, your attorney may be present during the deposition.
Substance Abuse Evaluation
In cases where you are concerned about substance abuse of the other parent, it may be necessary to request an evaluation. In certain situations your attorney may need further evidence of substance abuse, which may need to be gathered through various methods. For example, the friends or relatives may need to be deposed or a private investigator could be utilized.
Help from a Skilled Divorce Attorney
Many of the issues that come up during a high conflict divorce can be more easily resolved with help from a skilled divorce attorney. Those attorneys with experience handling high conflict divorces are more adept at resolving situations and in preventing some problems from occurring in the first place. If you feel that your divorce may be one of contention it is ideal to choose a divorce attorney who will act preemptively to keep the divorce on track with as little harm to the family as possible.
If you are about to go through a divorce and fear that it could be high conflict, contact the Tampa divorce attorneys and family law lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. in Tampa Bay at 813-816-2232 for a consultation at no charge or email us.
By Lynette Silon-Laguna Google+
