HIGH CONFLICT RELATIONSHIPS

Family law matters that progress to court usually involve one of three things – a complex or unchartered area of law, an external factor (for example, drug addiction) or high conflict litigants.

High conflict litigants will often have a Cluster B personality disorder (or traits of one) and whilst their behaviour may appear to be erratic, there is a clear pattern to their conduct.

At Starling Family Law, we are highly skilled in dealing with matters involving difficult parties. Our principal lawyer, Emmalaura Messer, grew a practice involving high conflict litigation early in her career, and completed further study in managing high conflict personalities in legal disputes as part of a Master of Laws. Working in this area can be difficult and many lawyers are not well equipped to deal with the particular challenges that high conflict litigation brings.

We have developed and enhanced techniques, strategies and practical skills for managing these matters and work with our family law clients to teach them techniques that they can utilise to manage high conflict behaviour from the other party – both within the bounds of court proceedings and after they no longer have the court or lawyers involved with their family.

If you suspect that your ex-partner may be characterised as “high conflict”, contact us to make an initial appointment to discuss the management of your family law matter.