A high-conflict divorce is one where the other party consistently escalates, refuses to cooperate, uses children or assets as leverage, or engages in manipulative or controlling behaviour throughout the process. It is not about how contentious the issues are - it is about the pattern of behaviour.

A formal diagnosis is not required. What matters legally and strategically is the pattern of the behaviour: does the other party consistently manipulative, deflect accountability, and uses tactics like DAVRO? The pattern is what we build legal strategy around.

Yes - though it requires careful documentation and the right framing. Coercive control is established through patterns rather than individual incidents. Evidence such as message threads, financial records, witness accounts, and documented behavioural patterns can all contribute to building a credible legal case.

This is one of the most common things we hear. High-conflict dynamics are often invisible to outsiders - especially when the other party presents well socially. If you consistently feel confused, destabilised, or like you can never do anything right, that experience deserves to be taken seriously. Start with the self-assessment.