What Is a High Conflict Divorce, and How Do You Avoid One? With Family Law Attorney Christina White
Show Notes
"High conflict divorce" is a term we're hearing more and more. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell asks family law attorney Christina White what it means, why it happens, and what you can do if you're heading into one or already in it. It's for anyone who wants to spend less of their divorce in court.
About our guest
Christina White is a family law attorney in the western suburbs of Chicago, where she owns and operates Christina White Legal. She has more than 10 years of experience in family law and practices primarily in Kane and DuPage counties in Illinois. Christina is a Fresh Starts expert, and you can find her on her Fresh Starts Registry expert profile and on Facebook.
Key takeaways
- There's no legal definition of a high conflict divorce. Christina describes it as a divorce where every small issue becomes a fight and ends up in court.
- The costs add up: two lawyers, a mediator, possibly a guardian ad litem, and trial dates. It can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Conflict often rises when the dynamic between two people shifts and one person begins to push back.
- Deciding early what you're willing to negotiate can shorten the process. In her own divorce, Christina agreed to 50-50 parenting time and to selling the house, and was divorced in six weeks.
- Focus on what you can control: your attitude, your time with your kids, and the environment you give them.
- Kids can sense the stress of litigation, even when you do your best to protect them from it.
- To get through it, organize your mind and organize your paperwork. Lean on your support system and take care of your mental health.
- When you send your attorney a document, add a subject line and a sentence of context so they know what it shows and why it matters.
Resources mentioned
- Christina White Legal, Christina's family law firm in Illinois
- Fresh Starts Registry offers free consults, a vetted expert network, and free guides, and can connect you with Christina directly.
Where to listen and subscribe
Listen to the full episode on Spotify. You can also follow Divorce Happens on Instagram and join The Divorce Happens Community on Substack.
Thank you to Christina for being part of our community, and thank you for listening.
This episode is for general information and isn't a substitute for legal advice or other professional support. Every divorce is different, and laws vary by state.