What is High-Conflict Custody?

Parenting is challenging, and disagreements between parents are common. However, some custody issues can escalate into what are known as “high-conflict” situations. In Pennsylvania, courts acknowledge these high-conflict cases and provide some assistance to parents in them. Unfortunately, it requires significant experience and careful planning to effectively reduce tension in such high-conflict situations.

If you are dealing with a high-conflict custody situation, know that you are not alone. The LLF Law Firm has successfully handled numerous high-conflict cases. Our Family Law Team can help you gain control and reduce the level of conflict. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.

What is a High-Conflict Custody Case?

A high-conflict custody case occurs when co-parents exhibit a pattern of hostility, blame, and frequent escalation of disputes. These cases typically involve frequent court appearances and increased costs. They also leave lasting damage to the children involved.

What are Indicators of a High-Conflict Custody Case?

Every custody case is different, but high-conflict cases more frequently show the following factors:

1. Extended or Frequent Litigation or Court

The best indicator of high-conflict custody is also the most expensive to the parties: frequent court appearances and difficulty in reaching an agreement.

2. Frequent Allegations of Abuse or Misconduct

Another marker of high-conflict divorce is repeated allegations of abuse or neglect against a parent without substantial evidence.

3. Poor Communication and Emotional Volatility

Parents in high-conflict custody cases often experience a breakdown in communication, resulting in the use of children as messengers.

4. Inconsistent Parenting Plans and Noncompliance.

A good indication of conflict is an inconsistent parenting plan that one or both parents fail to comply with.

High-conflict situations are exhausting for the parties and harmful to the children, but there are strategies and resources to help.

Solutions in High-Conflict Custody Cases

While being in the middle of a high-conflict custody case is sheer torture for most people, some things work to reduce the conflict:

• Parallel Parenting. While co-parenting should be the goal, in some cases, parallel parenting works better.
• Structured Communication. In some cases, it helps parents to communicate through an online parenting platform.
• Sanctions for Bad Faith. In some instances, if you are co-parenting with someone who won’t stop fighting and making groundless motions, you may need to seek sanctions from the court.
• Parenting Coordination Through the Courts. In Pennsylvania, parents in high-conflict divorces may be assigned a parenting coordinator by the court system, who helps with communication and reducing conflict.

These strategies won’t fix everything, but they can help you gain some control and sanity in your family life. The most important thing is to reach out to an experienced custody attorney who understands how to respond to and reduce conflict.

How the LLF Law Firm Can Help

If you need help with custody issues, let the LLF Law Firm help you. Our Family Law Team can suggest strategies to reduce conflict and help you gain peace of mind. Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form,and we will reach out to you.