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Atlanta High Conflict Child Custody Attorneys
While you can consider any child custody case to be full of conflict, there are some that are much more difficult to endure. High-conflict custody cases can be very challenging to overcome, especially when you consider the impact the contention and arguing can have on the children.
Factors That May Lead to High Conflict Custody Cases
Unfortunately, the circumstances that lead to high conflict custody cases originate years before parties are in litigation. Years of turmoil culminate into an explosion of emotion. Some leading factors that cause high conflict custody cases include:
- Neglect
- Parental alienation
- Abuse
- Parenting disagreements
Every child custody case is different and has its own unique circumstances. However, differences between spouses over their basic core values are sure to lead to a high conflict situation.
Moving through the process can seem impossible, but it’s important to always keep some very vital tips in mind. Below, we’ll provide you with a list of some of the things you should do during a high-conflict custody case and some of the things you should avoid. At the end of the day, though, it’s most critical to keep children as far away from the situation as possible.
What to Do During a High-Conflict Custody Case
- Hire legal representation: First thing’s first, you want to protect your rights as much as possible by hiring legal representation who is familiar with the complexities of a high-conflict custody case. You want to know that your choice of lawyer has experience working with experts to determine the best interests of the children involved and how each parent can receive a fair amount of time without escalating the contentiousness of the situation.
- Reassure your children the divorce is not their fault:High-conflict custody cases can often result in one parent trying to tell the children negative things in order to get them to favor one parent over the other. Ensure your children that they had nothing to do with the divorce or separation and the decision is solely based on differences between you and their other parent.
- Keep children away from the conflict:It may be difficult if one parent is not on the same page but keeping children away from conflict is crucial to their mental health. Children should focus on their school, social life, and simply being a kid. They don’t need to be informed of the difficult details of the litigation. You don’t want them to lose focus on the important things in their life, putting some very critical aspects at risk – such as grades and their social development.
- Let children form their own opinions:This goes back to one parent talking negatively about the other. One parent may try to force feelings on the children in order to gain an edge in custody matters. This is never okay. Children should be able to form their own opinions based on each parent’s actions.
You may also want to have access to a therapist who can help should the conflict become overwhelming for you and your children. We can help you find therapists who have experience dealing with minor co-parenting issues all the way up to the most severe parental alienation cases.
What Not to Do in a High-Conflict Custody Case
There are a few things you want to avoid when going through a contentious custody matter. Don’t bad mouth the other parent to your children. As tempting as this may be, it is never okay. The only people that this will hurt are your children. Trust that they will realize soon enough the other party’s bad acts, just remain patient.
Don’t make false allegations of abuse. Never come up with unfounded allegations of abuse or exaggerate your ex’s shortcomings in order to gain leverage in custody case. Any misrepresentations made by you will be used against you later in court.
Don’t arrive late for visitations or miss your parenting time. It’s important that you show both your children and the court that your time with them are a priority, especially while in the middle of a high-conflict custody case. Missing visits or showing up late will create a negative impression of your commitment, even if that is not the case and life simply got in the way.
Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs, especially when you are with your children. Everything you do while in the middle of a custody battle will be scrutinized. Don’t muddy the water by using alcohol or drugs during your parenting time. Ensure that there is not even a suggestion that you are doing something that could put your children at risk in your care.
Avoid any kind of disrespect or disparaging comments about the other parent. Breaking up an important bond is more harmful to your children than it is helpful. While you may gain some leverage in the matter of custody, you’re creating a traumatizing experience that can make it difficult on your children.
Don’t give your children an ultimatum or make them choose one parent over the other. At the end of the day, the children have nothing to do with the litigation and love both parents. They should be able to foster relationships and bonds with both parents. Anything that threatens that relationship and bond can be detrimental to the children’s development.
Finally, make sure you avoid saying anything that can hurt your case. The moment you file for divorce, anything you say can be used as a record for the matters that follow, including a high-conflict custody case. Your words can be used against you to hurt your case and give your ex-spouse leverage to obtain primary custody of the children.
Let Atlanta Family Law Group LLC Be Your Guide
Any custody battle can seem impossible to overcome. Those involving high conflict can also be costly, lengthy, and emotionally challenging. It is a situation that brings out the worst in both parents, and the actions you take can hurt your children and leave emotional scares that outlast the litigation. At the end of the day, the focus should remain solely on the best interests of your children.
At Atlanta Family Law Group LLC, we understand the difficult time you’re going through, and we want to help. We know that the thought of losing your children or having your time limited with them is scary. It’s our mission to provide you with the highest quality representation with your family in mind. If you or someone you know is involved in a high conflict custody case, it is imperative that you seek legal help immediately. We believe the safety and well-being of your children is of the utmost importance. We provide compassionate and dedicated counsel, because you deserve it. Don’t jeopardize what’s most important, the best interest of your children. Trust our Atlanta child custody attorneys to help you when you need it most. Call us today at (404) 963-9452 to learn more about how we can help you with your high conflict custody matter.