Southlake High Conflict Custody Lawyer

The dedicated team of Mims Ballew Hollingsworth | Family Law handles all types of custody cases, including those that are highly contentious. Reach out to our family law attorneys if you need assistance with this kind of situation. We regularly demonstrate that maintaining our clients’ parental and custody rights is in the best interests of their children.

What Is a High Conflict Custody Dispute?

Some parents can agree on a custody arrangement, whether through negotiation or mediation. However, some parents refuse to agree, leading to a standstill and a contentious situation. This might happen if one parent insists on seeking sole custody when it is not appropriate. Ultimately, if one parent simply refuses to negotiate, high conflict develops, and litigation might be needed.

Resolving a High Conflict Custody Case

To resolve these cases, you have to understand where the conflict comes from. Mental health professionals can often be helpful in working through this part of the case and may even be appointed by the court or brought in by a parent for expert testimony.

High conflict cases can arise when the parents are alienated from one another or from their children. Some parents have conflict because of personality disorders, mental health issues, drugs, alcohol, or abuse – physical or emotional. Sometimes, it’s simply that during or after the divorce, one parent can no longer deal with the idea of co-parenting with the former spouse.

Before you spend thousands of dollars and far too many emotional resources engaging in a high-conflict custody dispute, thinking about ways to avoid one might be a good idea. Some possible ways to do so follow.

• Meet on Neutral Ground

Try out different places for giving the children to one another. Use the spaces that work. Avoid places with traffic congestion and other issues that are triggers for irritation or anger.

• Not in Front of the Children

If you must argue about these issues, try not to do it in front of the children. Keep your custody arguments in front of your attorneys and the judge – not in front of the children. You’ll keep them calmer and perhaps even negotiate a little easier.

• Have Realistic Expectations

Some parents enter a custody battle determined to get sole custody. In reality, sole custody is a rare type of custody order. If both parents are deemed fit, and both parents want to be part of their child’s life, the court will generally order them to share custody in some way.

Our child custody lawyers will evaluate your situation and advise on what type of custody arrangement is likely in your case. Sometimes, adjusting your expectations can help relieve some conflict.

Some Tactics that Parents Might Use

Sometimes your ex is more than difficult. Sometimes, your former spouse tells lies and makes false accusations to try to gain an advantage. Let your attorney handle the following situations when necessary:

• Allegations of child abuse – They might accuse you of neglect, molestation, physical abuse, etc. – this is common in contentious child custody cases, and you need to fight back against false allegations. Get your attorney immediately to ensure these false allegations of abuse do not impact your custody rights.
• Alienation – Some parents work to get the child on their side and against the other parent. They might tell the child lies, blame the other parent for the divorce, and otherwise disparage the other parent in front of the child. Parental alienation is not only harmful to a child, but it can make child custody matters more complicated and stressful. Your lawyer should bring this conduct to the court’s attention.
• Claims of bad behavior – Allegations that you cheated, used drugs or drank too much can all make you look bad in the eyes of the court and your children. Your lawyer can help you present evidence to the court of your ability to properly parent and provide care and support for your child.

No matter what the details of your custody battle might be, we can present your arguments that having custody will be in the best interest of your child.

Contact a Southlake High Conflict Custody Attorney Near You Today

As you can see, resolving a high-conflict custody dispute can be extremely challenging. It’s especially tough when you are already shaken by the discovery that your spouse is apparently determined to make your life and that of your children miserable. Let the family law attorneys at Mims Ballew Hollingsworth | Family Law help you get the outcome you deserve. Contact us online or call 817-900-8330 today for the help you need.