High-Conflict Divorce in Texas: Strategies to Protect Yourself and Your Kids

By: Attorney Ryan Putz, Texas Divorce and Family Law Attorney | March 30, 2025

Divorce is tough enough, but a high-conflict divorce—marked by constant disputes, hostility, or even accusations—can feel like a battlefield. In Texas, where emotions can run high over community property, conservatorship (custody), and support, these cases often drag on, draining your energy, wallet, and peace of mind. If you’re caught in this storm, protecting yourself and your children is priority one. Here are proven strategies to navigate a high-conflict divorce in Texas while keeping your sanity and your kids’ well-being intact.

1. Hire a Skilled Texas Divorce Attorney

In a high-conflict divorce, going it alone is a recipe for disaster. An experienced attorney who understands Texas family law—like how courts handle conservatorship disputes or divide marital assets—can be your shield and strategist. They’ll spot tactics your ex might use (like stalling or hiding assets), file motions to keep the case on track, and advocate for you in court. This isn’t just about legal know-how; it’s about having someone in your corner who’s seen it all.

2. Document Everything—Thoroughly and Consistently

High conflict divorces often hinge on evidence. Whether it’s aggressive texts, missed visitation, or financial discrepancies, keeping a detailed record can make or break your case. In Texas, courts look at facts—like the “best interest of the child” for custody decisions—so log dates, times, and specifics. Use a journal or app, save emails, and screenshot social media if it’s relevant. Just don’t record calls without consent—Texas is a one-party consent state but playing it safe avoids legal headaches.

3. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

Your ex might thrive on drama, but you don’t have to. Limit communication to essentials—preferably in writing via email or a co-parenting app like OurFamilyWizard, which Texas courts often recognize. Avoid verbal spats that can escalate or be twisted later. If threats or harassment cross the line, talk to your attorney about a protective order. Clear boundaries protect your mental health and show the court you’re the stable one.

4. Prioritize Your Kids’ Emotional Safety

Kids caught in a high-conflict divorce can suffer the most—stress, anxiety, or even parental alienation if one spouse badmouths the other. Texas courts take this seriously when deciding conservatorship. Shield your children by keeping disputes out of their earshot, following court orders to the letter, and never using them as messengers. If tensions boil over, consider a court-appointed counselor or parenting coordinator to ease the strain—options Texas judges often support.

5. Explore Mediation or Alternative Solutions

Litigation fuels conflict, but mediation can douse the flames. A neutral third party helps you and your ex negotiate terms—like dividing that community property or setting a custody schedule—without a judge’s gavel. Texas encourages this approach, and while it’s not always a fit for extreme cases (like abuse), it can cut through the chaos if both sides are willing. Your attorney can guide you on whether it’s worth a shot or if court is unavoidable.

Bonus Tip: Know When to Seek Extra Protection

If your high-conflict divorce involves domestic violence, substance abuse, or threats to abduct the kids, don’t wait. Texas law allows for temporary restraining orders (TROs) or emergency custody motions to safeguard you and your children. These situations demand swift action—your attorney can file fast to get a judge’s attention.

Why This Matters

High-conflict divorces in Texas aren’t just about winning—they’re about surviving with your rights and family intact. The stakes are high, from splitting retirement accounts to securing a stable future for your kids. At Law Office of Ryan Putz, we’ve guided countless clients through these rough waters, turning chaos into clarity. Facing a high-conflict divorce? Reach out today for a consultation—we’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Visit us at: www.ryanputzlaw.com

Call us at: (281) 206-2696

Email us at: ryanputzlaw@gmail.com