Family Disputes Can Escalate From Divorce to Criminal Complaints, Lawyer Warns

Family conflicts during divorce proceedings often extend beyond family law into criminal matters, involving threats, mutual complaints, and sometimes criminal behavior. Attorney Anat Cohen, specializing in family law, explains that divorce is an inherently emotional process that can lead to accusations and police complaints. She notes that while not all complaints are manipulative tactics, some are necessary, especially in cases involving violence, property damage, or sexual offenses.

Cohen emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine cases requiring police intervention and those where complaints are used strategically to gain advantage. She recounts a case where a woman violated a restraining order by inviting the man back into her home before filing a police complaint, which was ultimately dismissed as false. Her dual expertise in family and criminal law allows her to advise clients on when to involve law enforcement and how to navigate investigations.

Cohen advocates a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of the entire family, especially children caught in the middle. She stresses that even after divorce, parents remain a family unit and must cooperate for their children’s sake. She encourages resolving disputes outside court to reduce emotional damage, save time and money, and avoid public confrontations that can harm children.

She warns against using children as messengers in conflicts and highlights the long-lasting emotional scars such disputes can leave. Cohen advises parents to seek agreements outside court whenever possible and to aim for compromises even after legal proceedings have begun, to minimize harm and maintain family stability post-divorce.

Anat Cohen leads a boutique law firm specializing in family, criminal, and traffic law, offering comprehensive legal support that integrates family and criminal law expertise to handle complex cases effectively.