Tips for Mastering Mediation in a High-Conflict Divorce with Liz Merrill | Episode 228

High Conflict Divorce: How to Navigate Conflict Without Making It WorseIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha is joined by divorce mediator and coach Liz Merrill to discuss one of the most challenging areas in family law: high conflict divorce. Liz shares both her professional experience and her personal perspective after going through a high conflict divorce herself, explaining why these cases are so difficult and why traditional divorce processes often fail to address the real dynamics at play.Amy and Liz explore what “high conflict” actually means, how it differs from ordinary divorce conflict, and why understanding the psychological patterns behind a high conflict spouse is so important. They also discuss practical tools for people dealing with an abusive or escalated partner, including boundary-setting, de-escalation techniques, and how to decide whether mediation is realistic or whether litigation and legal support are necessary.Guest InformationLiz Merrill is a divorce mediator and divorce coach based in the Fort Collins area. She specializes in high conflict divorce cases and helps clients navigate separation in a way that reduces escalation and protects their long-term ability to co-parent.Episode HighlightsWhat High Conflict Divorce Really Means Liz explains that high conflict divorce can look different depending on the couple. Sometimes both spouses are escalated and difficult, but often one spouse is the true high conflict individual while the other is reacting to years of dysfunction, abuse, or control.Traits of a High Conflict Person High conflict individuals often show patterns such as extreme self-focus, black-and-white thinking, emotional reasoning, dishonesty, rule-breaking, and a willingness to use children as pawns.Why Mediation Is Not Always the Right Fit Many people, especially those leaving abusive or high conflict marriages, want mediation because they are afraid of litigation and want to avoid a battle.How a Divorce Coach Helps Before the Divorce Is Filed For clients like “Melanie,” Liz helps create a plan before announcing the divorce. That can include gathering financial documents, locating passports and Social Security cards, preparing for possible retaliation.The Importance of Safety Planning If there is any threat of physical violence or severe emotional abuse, Liz says the first priority is safety.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.