High-Conflict People in Legal Disputes: Insights from Bill Eddy

At Edgar & Dow, we regularly encounter cases where the legal issues are straightforward — but the people involved are anything but. If you’ve ever been locked in a dispute where logic seems to go out the window, where emotions run high, and every communication seems to escalate, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with what Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq., calls a “High-Conflict Person” (HCP).

Who Are High-Conflict People?

Bill Eddy, co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, defines High-Conflict People as individuals who exhibit:

• A preoccupation with blaming others

• All-or-nothing thinking

• Unmanaged emotions

• Extreme behaviors

These traits make negotiation nearly impossible and prolong litigation — not because the legal issues are complex, but because the personality dynamics are.

Common Patterns in Family Law

In family law, HCPs often show up as:

• A parent who refuses to co-parent or communicate civilly

• A party who makes repeated unfounded accusations (e.g., abuse, neglect)

• Someone who drags out litigation with motion after motion — not to resolve, but to punish

We’ve seen firsthand how these behaviors increase legal costs and emotional tolls for everyone involved — especially the children.

What We’ve Learned from Bill Eddy

At Edgar & Dow, we incorporate some of Bill Eddy’s techniques into our client strategy:

• BIFF Responses: Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm communication helps clients avoid emotional traps in texts, emails, and co-parenting apps.

• EAR Statements: Showing Empathy, Attention, and Respect — even in the face of irrational behavior — can de-escalate conflicts.

• Managing Expectations: We help our clients understand that some battles aren’t about winning in court — they’re about minimizing harm, setting boundaries, and keeping the case on track.

Why It Matters

Understanding high-conflict dynamics allows us to tailor legal strategy. We focus on:

• Court orders that reduce interaction

• Using third-party professionals like parenting coordinators or evaluators

• Keeping our clients out of the emotional storm

We’re not just fighting for custody or support — we’re protecting our clients from being worn down by constant conflict.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

If you’re dealing with a high-conflict co-parent or custody situation, having the right legal team matters. At Edgar & Dow, we are California’s leading experts in legal custody and visitation disputes. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of high-conflict dynamics, we help clients regain control and protect their families.

📞 Call us today at (951) 684-6885
🌐 Visit us at www.edgarfamilylaw.com

Let’s move forward — strategically, calmly, and with your best interests in mind.