Lombard, IL High Conflict Divorce Attorneys

Trusted Lawyers Representing Clients in Contested Divorce Cases in Lombard, Illinois

Most divorces involve some degree of conflict. Even when spouses are willing and able to work together to resolve the issues in their case amicably, they are likely to encounter disagreements. While steps can usually be taken to resolve disputes and minimize conflict, there are some cases where this may seem impossible.

For couples who are experiencing high levels of conflict, strong disagreements and emotional tension can lead to prolonged disputes over important issues such as property division, child custody, spousal maintenance, and child support. Because the stakes of these cases are so high, and the outcome can have a lasting impact on a person's financial stability and family relationships, taking the right steps to resolve disputes with the help of an attorney is essential.

At A. Traub & Associates, we help clients in Lombard and throughout DuPage County address the complex issues involved in high-conflict divorce cases. Our lawyers will provide strong representation throughout your case, working to protect your rights and minimize the emotional and financial fallout of a contentious divorce. Whether we are working to resolve disputes through negotiation or litigation, we are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.

Issues That Can Lead to High-Conflict Divorces

There are numerous factors that may cause a divorce to become highly contentious, including:

• Disputes Over Parenting Arrangements: Conflicts over child custody and parenting time schedules are among the most common causes of prolonged divorce litigation.
• Division of Complex Assets: Disagreements about how to divide high-value property, family businesses, or retirement accounts can lead to increased levels of conflict.
• Hidden Assets or Financial Misconduct: If one or both spouses have been accused of hiding assets, wasting marital funds, or engaging in asset dissipation, tensions between the spouses can quickly escalate.
• Domestic Violence or Abuse Allegations: In situations where there may be concerns about the safety of a spouse or a couple's children, negotiations may become more difficult, and additional steps may need to be taken to protect the safety of everyone involved.
• Emotional Factors: Issues such as anger and resentment over the issues that led to the breakdown of a couple's relationship can make it difficult for spouses to cooperate and reach agreements.

Methods of Dispute Resolution

There are several options that you and your spouse may use to attempt to resolve disputes in a high-conflict divorce and reach agreements on the outstanding issues in your case. These include:

• Attorney-Led Negotiation: Our attorneys can negotiate directly with your spouse's attorney, working to resolve disputes while minimizing conflict.
• Collaborative Divorce: In some cases, you may agree to work with your spouse and their attorney to resolve all outstanding issues in your case outside of court. This can be a good way to negotiate a divorce settlement, but it requires cooperation, which can be difficult in a high-conflict case.
• Mediation: You and your spouse may choose to work together with a neutral mediator, who will guide discussions, propose compromises, and help you find solutions that you will both find acceptable. This process also requires cooperation, but holding civil discussions and reaching agreements may not be possible if you have experienced high levels of conflict.

While alternative dispute resolution methods can be effective in many cases, they may not always be suitable for high-conflict situations. If either spouse is uncooperative, or if there are concerns about abuse or other issues that may make negotiations more difficult, litigation may be necessary.

Contested Divorce Litigation

When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, the case may proceed to trial as a contested divorce. This process will involve several stages:

• Pre-Trial Motions: Temporary orders may be requested by either party to address pressing issues such as child support, spousal maintenance, or possession of the marital home while the divorce is pending. Our lawyers can advocate for temporary relief when necessary and make sure ongoing issues can be addressed during your case.
• Trial Preparation: Our attorneys will gather the necessary evidence that may play a role in your case and prepare the legal arguments to be made when presenting your case before a judge.
• Pre-Trial Conference: Before a divorce trial begins, the judge will meet with the attorneys representing both parties to make sure all the outstanding issues that need to be addressed are fully understood. They may encourage a negotiated resolution to some or all of these issues in order to avoid a trial. We will fully prepare for this meeting and make sure your positions are explained correctly.
• Divorce Trial: If any outstanding issues remain to be resolved, we will present your case effectively before the judge. If necessary, we may call and cross-examine witnesses, and we will present evidence supporting your positions. At the conclusion of the trial, the judge will issue a judgment that decides how all issues will be resolved and finalizing your divorce.

Contact Our Lombard, Illinois High-Conflict Divorce Lawyers

When your divorce is contested, you need a strong lawyer on your side to help you protect your rights and achieve solutions that will meet your needs. At A. Traub & Associates, we can provide the representation you need to navigate complex disputes and protect your future. Contact our Lombard high conflict divorce attorneys and schedule a consultation by calling 630-426-0196.