Edmond High-Conflict Divorce Lawyers
A divorce is rarely an easy process to go through--even in the best of circumstances. It’s also a process that lends itself to considerable legal complexity—even in the best of circumstances. It’s a process that involves no small amount of financial uncertainty, as spouses look to the future—even in the best of circumstances.
When you’re dealing with high-conflict divorces, the circumstances are anything but the best. It’s a good idea to have a lawyer who knows how to handle these difficult situations while protecting your best interests.
Located in Edmond, The Smith Firm has over 15 years of experience helping spouses throughout the Oklahoma City area navigate difficult divorces. You can count on responsive and compassionate support from people who have gone through the same challenging times you and your family are now trying to get through.
Call (405) 331-7884 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Characteristics of a High-Conflict Divorce
Some of the symptoms that appear most often in these divorces include:
Lack of Cooperation and Frequent Litigation
In any negotiation where the parties are unable to collaborate, there will likely be delays. When that antagonism leads to increased litigation, both time and costs usually increase. Every aspect of the divorce, from property division to support arrangements, can turn into an arena for a contentious fight.
Escalated Emotions
In high-conflict divorces, heightened emotions, such as anger or resentment, can dominate interactions. A steady diet of argumentation makes conversation difficult and enhances the challenge of resolving what can be difficult issues in their own right.
The Involvement of Children
Parents' strong feelings regarding different aspects of the settlement can get even stronger when it comes to their children. Parents rightfully have definite ideas about what is in their child’s best interests, and they may feel helpless, knowing that the decision must be negotiated or resolved by a judge. All of this can enhance stress, which, in turn, can fuel additional conflict.
These are the challenges, and it’s understandable that intensity runs high in divorce settlement proceedings. What spouses need are solutions. Mediation may be able to help.
The Benefits of Mediation
Mediation introduces a structured and neutral environment that allows disputes to be managed constructively. Unlike traditional litigation, mediation encourages collaborative communication, helping both parties shift their focus from arguing to finding productive solutions. The mediator acts as a neutral guide, enabling discussions to remain focused and respectful, which can reduce the emotional temperature of the situation.
One key benefit of mediation is its ability to save time and money. High-conflict divorces often drag on due to repeated court appearances and legal battles, but mediation can streamline the process by bringing both parties together to address all concerns in a single setting. This collaborative approach reduces the need for prolonged litigation, avoiding the financial and emotional costs associated with drawn-out court proceedings.
Honoring Families. Defending Futures.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
At The Smith Firm, our work is guided by core values: integrity, compassion, and commitment. We believe in honest communication, dedicated advocacy, and treating every client with the respect they deserve. These principles shape how we approach every case, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout your legal journey.
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We'll Be Your Resource
Family law can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’re here to provide clear guidance, support, and answers every step of the way.
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Highly Rated by Former Clients
Our clients’ feedback speaks for itself—highlighting our commitment to responsive service, strong advocacy, and real results.
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Trusted by Thousands of Oklahomans
We’ve helped thousands of Oklahomans navigate family law challenges with personalized attention and dedicated advocacy.
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30+ Years of Dedicated Service
For over 30 years, we’ve provided steady legal support, using our experience to protect what matters most to Oklahoma families.
Meeting the Challenges of Mediation
Mediation, while often effective, is not without its hurdles. It’s important to recognize the obstacles that can arise when navigating this process, especially in cases where trust or a balance of power is lacking.
One significant challenge is dealing with a history of abuse. When one party has been subjected to harm, it understandably creates barriers to open dialogue. Mediators are trained to handle such sensitive situations and can take steps like meeting separately with each party for the purposes of safety.
Power imbalances are another common issue. When one spouse exerted control during the marriage, the other might fear that this dynamic will carry over into mediation. A skilled mediator works to neutralize such imbalances, fostering an environment where both voices carry equal weight.
Trust is a cornerstone of successful mediation, and its absence can make progress more challenging. If one spouse has been dishonest in the past, the other may approach mediation with skepticism. While attorneys can’t make people trust one another, we can work diligently to make sure financial assets and other important information are fully disclosed.
Lawyers You Can Trust in a High-Conflict Divorce
Challenging situations often call for creative, unconventional solutions. We pride ourselves on our ability to protect the best interests of our clients while still exploring settlement options and strategies that can cool the temperature and help spouses turn the page.
Call our Edmond office today at (405) 331-7884. We work with clients throughout Oklahoma County.