3 Red Flags That You May Be Headed for a Contentious Divorce

 Posted on July 02, 2020 in Family Law

Regardless of whether or not the decision to end your marriage is mutual, once the agreement to divorce has materialized, both parties can feel as if the worst part — the big decision — is over. However, the reality of divorce says otherwise. It is often the moments leading up to, and those immediately after the litigation process, that can sneak up and cause conflict. Couples who have managed to remain civil and those who are experiencing existing tension have the opportunity to lessen the chances of a contentious divorce by looking for signs of underlying tension.

Signs Your Divorce May Take a Turn

While no two divorces look alike and every couple’s circumstances differ, the following signs are common red flags that may point to conflict on the horizon:

1. Custody Disputes - Anytime children are involved in a divorce, the emotions and stakes are always heightened. While many parents choose to find ways to cooperate with one another for the sake of the kids, the smallest of disagreements when it comes to parenting plans or parenting time can quickly take a turn for the worst. This is especially true if the reason for the divorce was particularly damaging, due to infidelity or an intimate betrayal of some sort. Be sure to address your concerns with your attorney if you or the other parent are beginning to lose your patience with one another in front of the children and you are noticing that you are not seeing eye to eye on parenting issues.

2. Financial Roadblocks - Maybe you pride yourself on the fact that you and your ex made a great team when it came to money management or perhaps financial problems were a significant contributing factor in the decision to end the marriage. Whatever your case, if you are suddenly quarreling over the division of assets, joint accounts, or how to handle the mortgage after the split, be aware that disagreements over money matters have the potential to lead to a high-conflict divorce if you are not careful.

3. Accusations - If you begin to notice your ex is making subtle accusations about your fault in the divorce or those accusations are becoming more intense or more frequent, it may be in your best interest to tread carefully and speak with your attorney. Accusations often trigger deeper animosity between both parties. These kinds of situations can morph into cases of full-blown toxic divorces, resulting in harassment and even stalking. While your divorce case may never escalate to something this aggressive, it is important to be on the lookout for hostile behaviors or passive-aggressive moves that could increase your mental distress and make the divorce process more turbulent.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Divorce is not always riddled with conflict and it does not have to be. When both parties choose to cooperate with one another, they have a better chance of making it through the process civilly and peacefully. If you are noticing signs that your ex-spouse is showing resistance and making the process more difficult, it is time to reach out to a qualified, competent Lombard, IL divorce lawyer who can advise and guide you in protecting your family’s best interests. Call Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today at 630-932-9100 and ask for a personal consultation.