Texas High-Conflict Divorce Lawyers

What Are High-Conflict Personalities, and How Do They Impact a Divorce?

A high-conflict personality is typically someone who wants to be in control, has a preoccupation with blaming others, has an “all or nothing” mentality, and has a lack of emotional regulation. These character traits are what can turn an already complicated process into a high-conflict divorce. Five common types of personalities fall into this category.

Antisocial Personality: Antisocial personalities have a lack of conscience and morality. 

Narcissistic Personality: Narcissists are self-centered and arrogant, lack consideration for others, and need admiration. 

Borderline Personality: Borderline personalities are intense, have mood swings, and tend to blame others. 

Histrionic Personality: A histrionic personality’s self-esteem depends on the approval of others, and they will often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention. 

Paranoid Personality: Spouses with a paranoid personality have a deep lack of trust. 

Strategies to Employ When Navigating a High-Conflict Divorce

Understanding how to deal with a high-conflict personality can save you a lot of mental and emotional energy, especially while navigating complex high-conflict divorces. Here are a few tips on how to interact with these difficult personalities from our firm’s high-conflict divorce attorneys:

• Recognize who you are dealing with, then establish and follow a set strategy with help from the best high-conflict divorce attorney for your situation.
• Choose your language carefully and avoid divisive words.
• Don’t engage with combative behavior, no matter the level of anger expressed by your spouse.
• Don’t hesitate to walk away if you need a moment to calm down or if your spouse is triggered in some manner.

One of the most important things to remember when dealing with a high-conflict personality is that your behavior and reactions can either minimize or escalate an interaction. Our lawyers are experienced with high-conflict divorce cases and can provide you with the tools, strategy, and resources to assist you in achieving your desired outcome with as little acrimony as possible.