Every year over 1,400,000 couples separate and/or divorce (legal marriages and common-law) in North America. Prior to separation what factors contribute to high-conflict family separations?

Statistically, high-conflict separations are a small part of the total number of relationship separations and legal divorces, however, common-law separations across North America are increasing and legal marriages are declining slightly. Covid affected separations during 2020 – 2023. There are no accurate yearly records for the total number of legal and common-law family separations in Canada and United States, however, it’s estimated over 2,800,000 adults separate each year. Some high-conflict families, who legally separate, don’t divorce for years and some never divorce.

High-Conflict separations often involve domestic violence issues between spouses, or sadly, between a parent and a child(ren). Alcohol use, illegal drugs, gambling problems, sex addictions, financial issues, mental health problems, etc. are significant contributors to domestic violence across North America. We know Family Courts are jammed with ongoing high-conflict family disputes. These legal disputes often affect other family relationships, such as between children and their grandparents. We also know Parental Alienation and Hostile Aggressive Parenting occur with increasing frequency. Financial disputes are a significant cause.

Mental Health and Family Law Professionals recognize that family pressures are caused by: financial issues, economic instability, mental health problems, children’s behavioral issues, domestic violence, addiction disorders, personality control issues, and even anxiety associated with frequent high-tech product usage, etc. These family pressures contribute to staggering court costs and healthcare expenditures for society. When these family problems occur during separation, they also contribute to exaggerated legal costs for that family.

Some parents incur expenses during separation and divorce that could be greatly reduced when both ex-spouses find ways to cooperate appropriately. Family Mediators strive to be collaborative and find “Win / Win” scenarios for both parties. When you solve problems collaboratively, both parties save money.

Help reduce “High-Conflict Separations”.

When Children Do Well, Parents Do Well

When Parents Do Well, Children Do Well