Common Issues in a High-Conflict Divorce

Some couples can resolve a divorce relatively easily and quickly, while other spouses battle back and forth over issues for months or years. High-conflict divorces can be costly, but you can protect your interests and resources with help from the right divorce attorney. 

Common High-Conflict Issues

Spouses can be deadlocked over different issues in a divorce case, and many issues can start or become contentious. Some common high-conflict issues that our firm can address include:

Fault-Based Divorce Grounds

Many divorces in Maine are no-fault, which means the filing spouse does not have to prove any misconduct of the other spouse. However, if one spouse files a fault-based divorce, they must prove the other spouse engaged in one of the following;

• Adultery
• Extreme cruelty
• Desertion
• Drug or alcohol dependency
• Nonsupport
• Cruel and abusive treatment
• Incapacitation
• Impotence

The process of proving fault-based grounds can make a divorce highly contentious and litigious very quickly. If you intend to file for a fault-based divorce, it’s important to seek legal guidance early in the process.

Complex or High Assets

Maine law requires divorcing spouses to divide all marital property in an equitable manner. Conflicts often arise over what is “equitable” and what should be considered marital property. As your property and assets become more complex, these matters also get more complicated. Some spouses have to divide a significant amount of wealth. Others have assets that are difficult to divide, such as business interests, investments, multiple real properties, retirement savings, and more. In some cases, a spouse might argue for a portion of the other’s substantial inheritance. 

Attorney Steve Smith can use his advanced knowledge of complex financial divorces and family law litigation to your advantage. If you have complex or high assets that might slow or halt your divorce case, reach out to our firm to discuss how we can assist you. 

Alimony/Spousal Support

Some divorces involve requests for spousal support, also known as alimony. Most people do not want to pay their ex-spouse following the divorce, so it is no surprise that spousal support is often a contentious matter. Whether you are requesting alimony or you might have to pay, you want to fight for a fair order that preserves your financial well-being. Our CFL status makes us particularly qualified to handle complicated income calculations regarding alimony. 

Parenting Rights And Responsibilities

Maine family courts tend to award parents equal parenting rights and responsibilities in a divorce. However, when one parent chooses to fight for sole rights, it can lead to a heated court battle. If your parenting case requires litigation, you need a skilled family law trial attorney representing you. 

Tough Litigators Aggressively Defending Your Interests

At STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers, we represent spouses in some of the most complex divorce cases in Maine family court. We know all too well that high-conflict divorces can require experience in nearly all aspects of law, from real estate and business law to defending against criminal accusations. As a full-service law firm, we are prepared to handle any legal challenge. Contact us today to discuss your case.