Mt. Juliet and Lebanon TN
Couples who decide to divorce typically go through a tough emotional time filled with highs and lows, especially when children are involved. Although some divorces are smooth and easy to settle, others involve high conflict situations that require an attorney’s assistance. Our divorce lawyer in the Nashville area, including Hermitage and Mt. Juliet, TN, at the Law Office of Yancy Belcher, share on the blog the tell-tale signs of a high conflict divorce and how we can help you navigate legal waters.
High-Conflict Divorces – Abuse
Verbal and physical abuse are direct threats that constitute high conflict divorces. Our experienced Hermitage area divorce attorney will begin your case by putting your safety first. Our lawyer may need to file protective orders to cease abuse behaviors depending on your circumstances. Abusive spouses are most likely to contest every divorce action, but we are by your side. When spousal abuse stems from alcohol and substance abuse, the underlying problems causing the addiction should also receive treatment. When a spouse shows violence for other reasons, your safety becomes compromised and requires discussion or litigation when determining child custody.
High-Conflict Divorces – Custody Disputes
Physical, substance, verbal, or emotional abuse can damage children and adults. Therefore, it must receive adequate discussion and consideration when navigating a child custody battle, no matter the form of abuse. Our Mt. Juliet divorce attorney faces two main conflicts in a high-conflict divorce regarding custody disputes outlined below.
- Spouse contesting your right to custody
In most custody cases, parents have the right to physical and joint legal custody of the children. However, if your spouse contests your right to custody, we will fight for your rights. In Tennessee, the law requires that the family law judge reviews multiple factors when making custody decisions. A few considerations are the current relationship the parents and children have together, the parent’s ability to provide for the child, the parent’s mental and physical health, and stability.
- Spouse refusing to reach an agreement on visitation
Many parents can reach a parenting plan agreement based on living proximity, work schedules, and children’s ages, among other factors. When a parent contests your child spending time with you, it could signify that the custody dispute may need litigation. Disputes about education, schooling, and discipline may also indicate a trial by a family judge.
High-Conflict Divorces – Financial Assets
Couples who rent their primary residence, have few assets, or have been married for a short time may settle disputes quickly. In divorce cases where both adults own homes, investment properties, businesses, or have retirement accounts require asset calculation to determine the division of assets. Most spouses can reach an agreement through mediation, negotiation, or divorce. For some, agreements may include buyouts and asset trading. Unfortunately, if your spouse insists that they get to keep everything, you may be headed to court. Our Nashville divorce attorneys share additional signs that you may require litigation for alimony, property division, or other financial concerns.
- Your spouse hides assets or tries to understate their income. Obvious signs that litigation may be necessary: your spouse is living beyond their means, making unusual withdrawals from joint bank accounts, a successful business that is now suddenly struggling, and your spouse is refusing to answer questions about the assets.
- Your spouse may hire an appraisal company to show the value of their property is lower than expected.
- Your spouse may refuse to leave home even though you don’t get along.
- Your spouse has debts of which you were not aware.
High-Conflict Divorces – Resolution
Resolving conflict regarding financial disputes can have remediation or collaboration. For more personal matters, the strategy would be different. In some cases, spouses are unwilling to work through options in a mature, rational manner. Therefore, our experienced divorce attorneys in Hermitage are ready to present your right to custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution to a family law judge. Contact the Law Office of Yancy Belcher to schedule an initial consultation today!
Divorce Lawyer in the Nashville area, including Hermitage and Mt. Juliet, TN
Complex divorce cases may require a full-scale trial. However, most cases can settle without going to trial. When spouses realize and admit that the marriage is over and it’s time to move forward, that’s when the healing begins. If you and your spouse seek a divorce lawyer in Mt. Juliet, feel free to call the Law Office of Yancy Belcher at (615) 773-2889 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
