Fishers, Indiana High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer for Women

Divorce involves a lot of complex issues, and it is rare for divorcing spouses to agree on every aspect, so some level of conflict is to be expected. However, a high-conflict divorce is different and usually stems from a marriage that was made difficult by toxic relationship dynamics. For example, if your ex-spouse was abusive and controlling during the marriage, then your divorce is likely to be high-conflict.

High-conflict divorce is emotionally challenging and often leads to a long and drawn-out process. If you have children, then this could be particularly challenging. If you are dealing with a high-conflict divorce, then it is essential you have experienced representation. An abusive spouse is likely to try and manipulate the situation to get what they want, and you need a family law attorney who understands this and knows how to set boundaries and ensure that your voice is heard.

An experienced Fishers high-conflict divorce lawyer will protect your rights and support you through this difficult time so that you can begin to look forward to a brighter future.

Our Fishers Divorce Lawyers Exclusively Represent Women

All of the family law attorneys at Woodford Sathappan McGee share one goal – to support women through divorce, and other family law matters so that they can move forward with their lives in confidence. That is why we exclusively represent women, and we believe that this narrow focus gives us a unique ability to meet women’s needs and support them through some of the most challenging times in their life.

If you are faced with a high-conflict divorce, it is absolutely essential that you have legal assistance from someone who truly cares about your future and who understands how to navigate the challenges that these types of cases bring up.

At our family law firm, we believe that knowledge is power. We want you to understand your constitutional rights and the power you hold so that you can make decisions from a place of clarity. We will keep you informed throughout the entire divorce process and will be your advocate in every negotiation and court action.

Our high-conflict attorneys are trained mediators and understand how to set boundaries with an abusive spouse so that they are not able to control the situation. Most high-conflict cases will also involve substantial court involvement, and as tested litigators, we will always be prepared to fight for you in front of a Judge.

It is important to understand that a divorce decree is legally binding and how issues such as child support payments, child custody, spousal support payments, and property division are decided will have a huge impact on your future. When you have support from Woodford Sathappan McGee, you can look back with confidence that you did everything necessary to protect yourself and your children.

Contact us today at 380-212-3731 to arrange a free consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist.

Is My Divorce Considered High Conflict?

There are many situations in divorce that would be considered high-conflict. A few signs that you are facing a high-conflict divorce include:

  • Any history of abuse, whether emotional, financial, physical, or sexual
  • Periods of calm, followed by chaos
  • Discussions are likely to turn into arguments
  • An inability to compromise
  • Manipulating and controlling behavior, consciously or unconsciously
  • A divorce case that has already involved multiple lawyers
  • A need for a protection order
  • Your ex-spouse makes you question things you know to be true, known as gaslighting
  • Constant communication, whether through phone calls, emails, texts, or in person
  • Your ex-spouse has selected a lawyer who is known to be combative
  • Your ex-spouse refuses to accept any responsibility
  • Threatening behaviors

What If I Am the Cause of the Conflict?

If you are concerned that you are contributing to or are the main cause of conflict, we will not judge you and will speak with you openly and honestly. Being aware is the first step to making positive changes, and we can help you to identify your own behaviors.

You may also choose to work with a therapist who can help you identify and change negative behaviors. They will help you to unlearn bad habits and communicate more effectively. In doing so, you will help the divorce process move along more effectively and will help to protect your children from further conflict.

Advice For Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce in Fishers, IN

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is never easy, and every case is unique. We always recommend that women navigating divorce seek legal representation. However, if you are facing a high-conflict divorce, then it is even more important. When you have representation from an attorney will experience navigating high-conflict divorce; they will help protect your rights and well-being.

In addition to securing high-quality representation, there are other things you can do to help protect yourself and your family.

Identify Your Spouse’s Behaviors

If you are filing for divorce, then you have probably already started reconsidering your ex-spouses’ abusive behaviors. When you can spot manipulative and abusive behaviors, you can minimize the impact they have on you. They may try to gaslight you, threaten you, or invoke sympathy, at which point you could tell them what they are doing or simply walk away.

Recognizing and distancing yourself from your ex-spouses’ behaviors isn’t easy, and it is important to have support. You should speak about your experiences with friends and family, or you may consider speaking to a coach or therapist.

Establish Boundaries

Deciding what your boundaries are and implementing them is an important way of dealing with an abusive or difficult person. Determining and maintaining boundaries involves clearly defining your goals and limits, communicating openly, and being able to say no.

It is often a difficult journey, but it is made easier when you have an attorney who understands the importance. They will not allow your ex-spouse to control negotiations and will set clear boundaries with them, such as only discussing relevant matters and setting clear limits on the time and space for mediation.

It is important to remember that you are under no obligation to stay in an argument; you can turn off your phone or walk away. You are not responsible for their behavior or their emotions; the only thing you can control is how you respond to them.

Prioritize Self-Care

Divorce is often one of the most challenging times of a person’s life, especially if it involves a lot of conflict. Therefore it is essential you look after yourself and take some time for self-care, such as relaxing and fun activities, time with friends and family, or confiding in a coach or therapist.

How To Protect Children in a High-Conflict Divorce

When a child’s parents divorce, it is always difficult for them. However, a high-conflict divorce can be particularly traumatic, so it is important that you take steps to protect them. An experienced attorney can also help by ensuring decisions are made in their best interests. If necessary, an attorney can also file a protection order to keep your ex-spouse away from you and your children.

You can help shield them from your divorce by:

  • Not expressing your negative feelings about your ex-spouse to your children
  • Never involving your children in arguments
  • Never use your children to punish or manipulate your ex-spouse
  • Not discussing the specific details of your divorce with your children

High Conflict Divorce and Child Custody

In Indiana, all family law decisions that involve children must be made with their best interests at heart. It is usually considered to be in their best interest to keep both parents involved in their life unless one parent poses a risk to a child’s wellbeing.

If you believe your ex-spouse poses a risk to your children, then you should contact a high-conflict divorce attorney as soon as possible so that they can evidence your claims and protect your children. Examples could include if your spouse has abused your children or is suffering from an addiction. However, even in these circumstances, they may be awarded supervised visitation.

Remember, a difficult spouse does not always equate to a bad parent. If your ex-spouse does not pose a risk to your child, then you should try and work with them to create a parenting plan.

Examples of High Conflict Divorces

It is common for divorce to involve conflict, especially when they involve emotional issues such as child custody. However, high-conflict divorces invoke a lot of emotion and can carry the potential for abuse. Some common examples of high-conflict divorces include:

High-Conflict Custody Battles

When conflict disputes are high-conflict, it is essential you have the support of an experienced divorce attorney who can help ensure that the child’s needs are prioritized. One or both spouses may try to use children to control the situation, which is incredibly harmful.

At Fault Divorce

In Indiana, the vast majority of divorces are no-fault, which means that they end based on the grounds that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. No-fault divorces do not require much proof and the beginning of the process can move along more quickly.

However, sometimes an at-fault divorce is more fitting. In Indiana, legal justifications include:

  • Incurable insanity for two years or more
  • The couple discovers that one party has the inability to have children and has, since the beginning of the marriage
  • One party is convicted of a felony during the course of the marriage

If one party files for an at-fault divorce, then it can be a source of conflict. Therefore, such a decision should be made with due consideration. However, it could help your case as the Judge may consider the circumstances when determining the key issues of your divorce.

Domestic Violence

There is never a good reason for physical violence, and any instances should be reported to the police. If you have suffered domestic violence, then you could feel stuck in your marriage, but at Woodford Sathappan McGee, we want to help.

Our focus on women has allowed us to create a space where women feel safe and supported. We will help you get somewhere safe and will quickly file a protection order to keep your ex-spouse away from you. We will also help you evidence your experiences so that the Judge overseeing your case considers them when ruling on key issues, such as child custody.

Addiction

Substance misuse, whether it is alcohol, narcotics, or prescription drugs, can make people act in unpredictable ways. This can make divorce negotiations extremely difficult, especially if children are involved.

If you are divorcing someone who is struggling with addiction, then the situation could worsen when faced with the divorce process. They could become unstable and may pose a risk to your children. If necessary, an attorney will help you file a protection order to keep them away from your children.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce means that couples are unable to agree on key issues, such as property division and child custody, even after mediation sessions. As a result, multiple court dates may be necessary for the Judge to make rulings on their behalf.

If you are dealing with a contested divorce, then it is essential that your Fishers divorce lawyer has extensive courtroom experience.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can come in many forms and often becomes worse over time. When you do finally make the decision to leave an emotionally abusive spouse, their bad behaviors may intensify, making divorce negotiations incredibly challenging.

It is absolutely essential that you have the support and guidance of an attorney who has extensive experience in high-conflict divorce. They will ensure that your spouse cannot manipulate the situation.

Mental Illness

Mental illness can sometimes contribute to a divorce being high conflict and is likely to slow down the process, especially if one spouse is not well enough to participate in negotiations. The judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent them to ensure that their interests are considered.

High-Conflict Personality

For some people, constant conflict is normal. Someone with a high-conflict personality may constantly blame others and will quickly identify themselves as a victim to give themselves permission to act badly. It is also likely that they have little capacity for introspection and may be unwilling to compromise.

If this sounds familiar, then you should seek help from an experienced high-conflict divorce lawyer who will ensure that your voice is heard.

Fishers High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer for Women FAQ

Just because your divorce is showing signs of being high-conflict, doesn’t mean it has to be. High conflict doesn’t benefit anyone and will make the divorce process more time-consuming, expensive, and traumatic. The best way to minimize conflict is to have the help of a Fishers’ high-conflict divorce attorney who can guide you from start to finish.

A high-conflict divorce is likely to take over a year to settle. Conflict can make negotiations difficult, and if contested issues remain, you will need to wait for the court to be available to hear your case. Each contested issue requires its own hearing, and so the more issues there are, the longer it will take. A skilled divorce attorney will help to keep the process moving along at a steady pace without compromising your rights.

In Indiana, all marital property, which is any assets acquired by either spouse over the course of the marriage, must be split in a just and fair way. This does not always equate to a 50/50 split, and if your ex-spouse was abusive, then this may be considered when dividing your property.

Fishers, Indiana High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer for Women

Divorce involves a lot of complex issues, and it is rare for divorcing spouses to agree on every aspect, so some level of conflict is to be expected. However, a high-conflict divorce is different and usually stems from a marriage that was made difficult by toxic relationship dynamics. For example, if your ex-spouse was abusive and controlling during the marriage, then your divorce is likely to be high-conflict.

High-conflict divorce is emotionally challenging and often leads to a long and drawn-out process. If you have children, then this could be particularly challenging. If you are dealing with a high-conflict divorce, then it is essential you have experienced representation. An abusive spouse is likely to try and manipulate the situation to get what they want, and you need a family law attorney who understands this and knows how to set boundaries and ensure that your voice is heard.

An experienced Fishers high-conflict divorce lawyer will protect your rights and support you through this difficult time so that you can begin to look forward to a brighter future.

Our Fishers Divorce Lawyers Exclusively Represent Women

All of the family law attorneys at Woodford Sathappan McGee share one goal – to support women through divorce, and other family law matters so that they can move forward with their lives in confidence. That is why we exclusively represent women, and we believe that this narrow focus gives us a unique ability to meet women’s needs and support them through some of the most challenging times in their life.

If you are faced with a high-conflict divorce, it is absolutely essential that you have legal assistance from someone who truly cares about your future and who understands how to navigate the challenges that these types of cases bring up.

At our family law firm, we believe that knowledge is power. We want you to understand your constitutional rights and the power you hold so that you can make decisions from a place of clarity. We will keep you informed throughout the entire divorce process and will be your advocate in every negotiation and court action.

Our high-conflict attorneys are trained mediators and understand how to set boundaries with an abusive spouse so that they are not able to control the situation. Most high-conflict cases will also involve substantial court involvement, and as tested litigators, we will always be prepared to fight for you in front of a Judge.

It is important to understand that a divorce decree is legally binding and how issues such as child support payments, child custody, spousal support payments, and property division are decided will have a huge impact on your future. When you have support from Woodford Sathappan McGee, you can look back with confidence that you did everything necessary to protect yourself and your children.

Contact us today at 380-212-3731 to arrange a free consultation with a Certified Family Law Specialist.

Is My Divorce Considered High Conflict?

There are many situations in divorce that would be considered high-conflict. A few signs that you are facing a high-conflict divorce include:

  • Any history of abuse, whether emotional, financial, physical, or sexual
  • Periods of calm, followed by chaos
  • Discussions are likely to turn into arguments
  • An inability to compromise
  • Manipulating and controlling behavior, consciously or unconsciously
  • A divorce case that has already involved multiple lawyers
  • A need for a protection order
  • Your ex-spouse makes you question things you know to be true, known as gaslighting
  • Constant communication, whether through phone calls, emails, texts, or in person
  • Your ex-spouse has selected a lawyer who is known to be combative
  • Your ex-spouse refuses to accept any responsibility
  • Threatening behaviors

What If I Am the Cause of the Conflict?

If you are concerned that you are contributing to or are the main cause of conflict, we will not judge you and will speak with you openly and honestly. Being aware is the first step to making positive changes, and we can help you to identify your own behaviors.

You may also choose to work with a therapist who can help you identify and change negative behaviors. They will help you to unlearn bad habits and communicate more effectively. In doing so, you will help the divorce process move along more effectively and will help to protect your children from further conflict.

Advice For Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce in Fishers, IN

Navigating a high-conflict divorce is never easy, and every case is unique. We always recommend that women navigating divorce seek legal representation. However, if you are facing a high-conflict divorce, then it is even more important. When you have representation from an attorney will experience navigating high-conflict divorce; they will help protect your rights and well-being.

In addition to securing high-quality representation, there are other things you can do to help protect yourself and your family.

Identify Your Spouse’s Behaviors

If you are filing for divorce, then you have probably already started reconsidering your ex-spouses’ abusive behaviors. When you can spot manipulative and abusive behaviors, you can minimize the impact they have on you. They may try to gaslight you, threaten you, or invoke sympathy, at which point you could tell them what they are doing or simply walk away.

Recognizing and distancing yourself from your ex-spouses’ behaviors isn’t easy, and it is important to have support. You should speak about your experiences with friends and family, or you may consider speaking to a coach or therapist.

Establish Boundaries

Deciding what your boundaries are and implementing them is an important way of dealing with an abusive or difficult person. Determining and maintaining boundaries involves clearly defining your goals and limits, communicating openly, and being able to say no.

It is often a difficult journey, but it is made easier when you have an attorney who understands the importance. They will not allow your ex-spouse to control negotiations and will set clear boundaries with them, such as only discussing relevant matters and setting clear limits on the time and space for mediation.

It is important to remember that you are under no obligation to stay in an argument; you can turn off your phone or walk away. You are not responsible for their behavior or their emotions; the only thing you can control is how you respond to them.

Prioritize Self-Care

Divorce is often one of the most challenging times of a person’s life, especially if it involves a lot of conflict. Therefore it is essential you look after yourself and take some time for self-care, such as relaxing and fun activities, time with friends and family, or confiding in a coach or therapist.

How To Protect Children in a High-Conflict Divorce

When a child’s parents divorce, it is always difficult for them. However, a high-conflict divorce can be particularly traumatic, so it is important that you take steps to protect them. An experienced attorney can also help by ensuring decisions are made in their best interests. If necessary, an attorney can also file a protection order to keep your ex-spouse away from you and your children.

You can help shield them from your divorce by:

  • Not expressing your negative feelings about your ex-spouse to your children
  • Never involving your children in arguments
  • Never use your children to punish or manipulate your ex-spouse
  • Not discussing the specific details of your divorce with your children

High Conflict Divorce and Child Custody

In Indiana, all family law decisions that involve children must be made with their best interests at heart. It is usually considered to be in their best interest to keep both parents involved in their life unless one parent poses a risk to a child’s wellbeing.

If you believe your ex-spouse poses a risk to your children, then you should contact a high-conflict divorce attorney as soon as possible so that they can evidence your claims and protect your children. Examples could include if your spouse has abused your children or is suffering from an addiction. However, even in these circumstances, they may be awarded supervised visitation.

Remember, a difficult spouse does not always equate to a bad parent. If your ex-spouse does not pose a risk to your child, then you should try and work with them to create a parenting plan.

Examples of High Conflict Divorces

It is common for divorce to involve conflict, especially when they involve emotional issues such as child custody. However, high-conflict divorces invoke a lot of emotion and can carry the potential for abuse. Some common examples of high-conflict divorces include:

High-Conflict Custody Battles

When conflict disputes are high-conflict, it is essential you have the support of an experienced divorce attorney who can help ensure that the child’s needs are prioritized. One or both spouses may try to use children to control the situation, which is incredibly harmful.

At Fault Divorce

In Indiana, the vast majority of divorces are no-fault, which means that they end based on the grounds that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship. No-fault divorces do not require much proof and the beginning of the process can move along more quickly.

However, sometimes an at-fault divorce is more fitting. In Indiana, legal justifications include:

  • Incurable insanity for two years or more
  • The couple discovers that one party has the inability to have children and has, since the beginning of the marriage
  • One party is convicted of a felony during the course of the marriage

If one party files for an at-fault divorce, then it can be a source of conflict. Therefore, such a decision should be made with due consideration. However, it could help your case as the Judge may consider the circumstances when determining the key issues of your divorce.

Domestic Violence

There is never a good reason for physical violence, and any instances should be reported to the police. If you have suffered domestic violence, then you could feel stuck in your marriage, but at Woodford Sathappan McGee, we want to help.

Our focus on women has allowed us to create a space where women feel safe and supported. We will help you get somewhere safe and will quickly file a protection order to keep your ex-spouse away from you. We will also help you evidence your experiences so that the Judge overseeing your case considers them when ruling on key issues, such as child custody.

Addiction

Substance misuse, whether it is alcohol, narcotics, or prescription drugs, can make people act in unpredictable ways. This can make divorce negotiations extremely difficult, especially if children are involved.

If you are divorcing someone who is struggling with addiction, then the situation could worsen when faced with the divorce process. They could become unstable and may pose a risk to your children. If necessary, an attorney will help you file a protection order to keep them away from your children.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce means that couples are unable to agree on key issues, such as property division and child custody, even after mediation sessions. As a result, multiple court dates may be necessary for the Judge to make rulings on their behalf.

If you are dealing with a contested divorce, then it is essential that your Fishers divorce lawyer has extensive courtroom experience.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can come in many forms and often becomes worse over time. When you do finally make the decision to leave an emotionally abusive spouse, their bad behaviors may intensify, making divorce negotiations incredibly challenging.

It is absolutely essential that you have the support and guidance of an attorney who has extensive experience in high-conflict divorce. They will ensure that your spouse cannot manipulate the situation.

Mental Illness

Mental illness can sometimes contribute to a divorce being high conflict and is likely to slow down the process, especially if one spouse is not well enough to participate in negotiations. The judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent them to ensure that their interests are considered.

High-Conflict Personality

For some people, constant conflict is normal. Someone with a high-conflict personality may constantly blame others and will quickly identify themselves as a victim to give themselves permission to act badly. It is also likely that they have little capacity for introspection and may be unwilling to compromise.

If this sounds familiar, then you should seek help from an experienced high-conflict divorce lawyer who will ensure that your voice is heard.

Fishers High-Conflict Divorce Lawyer for Women FAQ

Is there any way to avoid a high-conflict divorce?

Just because your divorce is showing signs of being high-conflict, doesn’t mean it has to be. High conflict doesn’t benefit anyone and will make the divorce process more time-consuming, expensive, and traumatic. The best way to minimize conflict is to have the help of a Fishers’ high-conflict divorce attorney who can guide you from start to finish.

How long do high-conflict divorce proceedings take?

A high-conflict divorce is likely to take over a year to settle. Conflict can make negotiations difficult, and if contested issues remain, you will need to wait for the court to be available to hear your case. Each contested issue requires its own hearing, and so the more issues there are, the longer it will take. A skilled divorce attorney will help to keep the process moving along at a steady pace without compromising your rights.

How is property divided in a high-conflict divorce?

In Indiana, all marital property, which is any assets acquired by either spouse over the course of the marriage, must be split in a just and fair way. This does not always equate to a 50/50 split, and if your ex-spouse was abusive, then this may be considered when dividing your property.

Can I seek a legal separation in Fishers, IN?

Indiana does allow for legal separation, which is where a couple remains legally married but separate and seek court orders on all issues that they would typically address in a divorce, such as child support, property division, and child custody.

There are many reasons why people choose to legally separate rather than divorce, but some of the main ones are religious reasons, hope of reconciliation, or to maintain insurance benefits. However, there are important implications of staying legally married, and you should seek professional legal counsel before making a decision.

Speak to one of Our Fishers Divorce Attorneys Today

At Woodford Sathappan McGee, our narrow focus on supporting women through family law matters in Indiana and Ohio gives us a unique ability to meet women’s needs and support them through a high-conflict divorce.

All of our attorneys are skilled mediators and litigators, and our personalized approach allows us to fight for your best interests at every stage. One of our founding attorneys, Katie Woodford, specializes in high-conflict divorce, high-assets, and complex custody cases. She is uniquely prepared to handle even the most complex cases.

Our goal is for you to feel confident about your future.

Arrange a free consultation with an experienced high-conflict divorce attorney at 380-212-3731.

Speak to one of Our Fishers Divorce Attorneys Today

At Woodford Sathappan McGee, our narrow focus on supporting women through family law matters in Indiana and Ohio gives us a unique ability to meet women’s needs and support them through a high-conflict divorce.

All of our attorneys are skilled mediators and litigators, and our personalized approach allows us to fight for your best interests at every stage. One of our founding attorneys, Katie Woodford, specializes in high-conflict divorce, high-assets, and complex custody cases. She is uniquely prepared to handle even the most complex cases.

Our goal is for you to feel confident about your future.

Arrange a free consultation with an experienced high-conflict divorce attorney at 380-212-3731.

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