Manipulation is an animal that can take many forms and lurk in many places. It can take place amongst groups of people, but especially between two individuals. Sometimes it’s harmless and sometimes not so much. To be more specific, divorce manipulation is never pretty.
Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group explains very well how to deal with manipulation during a divorce, talking about typical manipulation methods and “Steps [to take] to manage the chaos he (or she) stirs up” in a divorce situation.
Don’t be fooled by the idea that you’re safe from divorce manipulation, especially if you’re the victim who didn’t initiate the divorce. Some methods of manipulation during divorce include: stalling the process (via continuances, counter proposals, or refusing to sign documents), hiring a shark attorney that can tack on massive legal fees or make it impossible to negotiate, walking out of mediation, bullying through email and text conversations, and bombarding you with legal correspondence.
Through all of these tactics, they’re designed to get under your skin and give into the demands of the manipulator.
There are a few ways to protect yourself from Manipulation in the divorce process. A TRO, or temporary restraining order, explained in our previous article, is one way. Another way is through a final restraining order which, to be converted from a TRO, must prove the abuse took place and that ongoing protection is needed in your situation. The final way is through Attorney-to-Attorney Communication, which involves removing yourself from the manipulator’s ploy by having your attorney speak on your behalf, either to the manipulator’s counsel or, if that person is representing himself or herself, have your attorney speak to that person directly.
Being manipulated through the divorce process, or even during a marriage, can take a toll on your self-esteem and make you feel isolated. Rest assured, you’re not alone in your time of need. Contact divorce and family law attorney Taylor Fontenot with the Southern Oaks Law Firm team. Taylor’s goal is to help eliminate the headaches and to help you go about your life without the confusion, stress, fear, or anxiety.