Managing a High-Conflict Divorce in Michigan

 Posted on February 27, 2024 in Divorce

High-conflict divorce can be extremely challenging, especially in cases where there has been spousal abuse or one spouse is not playing fair. Hidden assets, refusal to obey temporary child custody orders, lying on official court documents, and personal protection orders are all very common parts of a high-conflict divorce. In many cases, court intervention will be needed to resolve the case, as mediation becomes impossible or impracticable. This may cause the case to take much longer than most other divorces due to the waiting period between hearings and the time it may take to gather evidence. If your divorce is filled with conflict, it is important to be represented by an experienced divorce lawyer in Northville, MI. Your attorney will likely begin planning for litigation from the start of the case.

Getting a Protection Order 

It is common for one spouse to harass, threaten, or even commit violence against the other during a high-conflict divorce. If this happens, you may be able to obtain a protection order. A protection order can remove your spouse from the home and prevent them from continuing to harass or disparage you. Even if you do not need a protection order, it is best to avoid contact with your spouse. All communication should go through your attorneys.

Finding Hidden Assets

If you suspect that your spouse is keeping a secret bank account or owns other valuable property they have not disclosed to you, your attorney will likely be able to investigate and find these assets. You may be entitled to a share of any assets that can be considered marital property.

Handling Noncompliance With Court Orders

If your spouse refuses to comply with temporary court orders relating to child custody, child support, or marital assets, your attorney can take steps to enforce the court orders. Your spouse’s noncompliance can be taken into consideration when the court is deciding what permanent orders to place.

Dealing With Falsehoods

Courts can often see right through any lies they are told by one party during the divorce process. Your spouse may claim they owned certain assets separately before marriage and are entitled to keep them or that you have abused them or your children. Evidence like financial records or the results of a guardian ad litem’s investigation often disprove these lies.

Contact an Oakland County, MI, High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer

Elkouri Heath, PLC is experienced in managing high-conflict divorce. Our skilled Northville, MI, high-conflict divorce attorneys will handle your case with great care. Contact us at 248-344-9700 for a complimentary consultation.