Managing a High-Conflict Divorce in Michigan

 Posted on October 09, 2026 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, and lying on official court documents 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, consider working with a Northville, MI divorce lawyer. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we can help you prepare for contested hearings and litigation, providing personal attention at every stage of your case.

What Kinds of Problems Are Common in High-Conflict Divorces in 2026?

High-conflict divorces often involve more than the usual disputes over money and parenting time. Some of the most common problems include:

Getting a Protection Order 

It is not unheard of 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 during a heated divorce. All communication should go through your attorneys.

Some abusers may react violently to a protective order. If you are in need of immediate protection from domestic violence, call 911 and seek refuge at a domestic violence shelter or the home of someone you trust.

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 these missing assets. You may be entitled to a share of any assets that can be considered marital property.

Handling Non-compliance 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 non-compliance can be taken into consideration when the court is deciding what permanent orders to place.

Dealing With Falsehoods

During divorce proceedings, some spouses lie to try to get an upper hand in a ruling for property, spousal support, or custody. 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.

Is Mediation Possible in a High-Conflict Divorce?

Mediation is possible in many high-conflict divorces, but it does not work for every couple. In mediation, a neutral party helps spouses talk through issues like custody, support, and property. The mediator does not make the final decision – rather, the spouses decide whether to accept an agreement.

Some couples who cannot speak calmly at home do better with a trained third party guiding the talks. A mediator can keep spouses in separate rooms and pass offers back and forth. This setup can lower the tension and keep the focus on solving problems.

Still, mediation is not a good fit when there is a history of domestic violence or control. A spouse who feels afraid may agree to unfair terms just to end the process. Michigan courts screen for these concerns, and a judge can excuse a party from mediation when safety is at risk. If you have a personal protection order against your spouse (MCL 600.2950), tell your attorney before any mediation is scheduled.

Why Is Discovery Important in a High-Conflict Divorce?

Discovery can also expose false claims. If your spouse says certain property was owned before the marriage, records can show when it was bought and how it was paid for. In custody disputes, discovery may uncover text messages, emails, school records, or medical records that show how each parent has cared for the children. This evidence can help the court decide what arrangement serves the children's best interests. A spouse who refuses to take part in discovery or hides documents can face penalties from the court.

Discovery is often how hidden assets come to light. A spouse may claim to have little money while moving funds into a secret account. Paper trails like transfers, credit card charges, and loan applications can tell a different story. Once these assets are found, they may be divided as marital property.

Discovery can also expose false claims. If your spouse says certain property was owned before the marriage, records can show when it was bought and how it was paid for. A spouse who refuses to take part in discovery or hides documents can face penalties from the court.

Can You Appeal a Divorce Outcome You Don’t Agree With?

You can appeal a divorce outcome you do not agree with, but an appeal is not a second trial. The Michigan Court of Appeals does not hear new testimony or look at new evidence. Instead, it reviews the trial court record to decide whether the judge made a legal error or clearly misread the facts. Simply disliking the judge's decision is not enough on its own.

Deadlines for an appeal are short. In most cases, you have 21 days after the final judgment to file an appeal. A motion for reconsideration or a new trial may also be an option, and it comes with its own short deadline. Missing these deadlines can close the door on your options.

Some issues, like child custody and support, can also be changed later if circumstances shift. A modification is a separate process from an appeal. Talking with a family law attorney soon after the judgment can help you understand which path fits your situation.

Contact Our Oakland County, MI, Family Law Attorneys

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.