High Conflict People in Legal Disputes

As an attorney in a high conflict family law matter, I did an internet search for some insight into how to handle very difficult personalities. This author came up as an expert. I immediately ordered the book and it came the next day. I joked that those shipping the book must have realized by the title that I needed help immediately. From the time I started the book, I could not put it down. I have practiced approximately 25 years. I have a background in psychology and was familiar with all the personality styles. However, because this book discussed these personalities in the unique context of courtroom battles, it brought incredible new insight for me and the way I will handle these cases from here on out. For someone who was familiar with the personalities and the psychology behind the personality disorders already, I was shocked how much I learned in every chapter. I had my highlighter out and highlighted multiple insights on every page. It was THAT good. Not only did it help me understand my current dilemma (the reason for ordering the book) but it helped me understand so many other matters that I have handled and people that I have dealt with over the years. This book is excellent, particularly for those in family law. I believe you can encounter these personality types in any type of law, but, because of the nature of family law, I would guess these personality styles are even more frequent. The book uses extreme examples to illustrate behavior patterns (which are not that extreme for some of what we have all seen in the profession), but points out that the information presented is not only relevant to those with actual diagnosed personality disorders. Rather, the author refers to HCP (high conflict personalities) as those personalities that exhibit these traits, particularly in distress. For example, there are those diagnosed as possessing narcissistic personality disorder, but all of us have some narcissistic tendencies, particularly under stress. As a result, the methods and understanding provided in this book are relevant to a wide variety of people from those diagnosed to those simply acting out traits in stressful periods. That made this book extremely relevant to most of my cases since, in family law, we tend to deal with families (and people) in crisis. No one is on their best behavior (understandably so) during a family law court case. I am really grateful for this author's expertise in the psychological background as well as the legal field. The combination makes the author able to speak in both worlds with unique understanding, empathy, and solutions. I do not know if this book is necessary for every practitioner, but, for me, I am so thankful to have found it and will definitely be a better attorney, representing families, because of what I was able to learn. Even if you "know" the information, I highly recommend this book for the unique insight into two worlds that always collide in family law matters.

Love this book! Bill is very knowledgeable and this book and his others are great resources if you are in a high conflict divorce situation.

Good solid work linking the psychological and the legal process of daily life.Its about time the aspect of High conflict people are highlighted anddealt with seriously.Today's society is besieged with ongoing complex problems relating to toxic and dysfunctional people.A warning must be raised when dealing with neurotic and mentally disturbed individuals.Failure to do so will always result in long drawn out litigation and in some cases human tragedy.A waste of precious time and resources.Everyday's news is filled with heartbreaking stories of violence and conflict.Trying to figure out the unpredictability of human nature is the most complex equation in the universe besides besides quantum physics.The unknown variables in human nature and their surprising and shocking outcomes will keep us all busy researching and trying to maintain equilibrium in a spiritually and morally bankrupt world society.

I have purchased a couple of Bill Eddy's books and wish I had his writings when I have had to deal with high-conflict people in the past. It would have saved me many sleepless nights and resolved issues, if not more quickly, at less personal cost. And of course, they are always people you must deal with, they put themselves in positions where you cannot realistically walk away. His advice is excellent. I read the one about divorce, but realized the structure of the situation was similar to other legal proceedings. Since then, I have purchased Bill Eddy's books for three friends when I saw them in danger of being sucked into becoming someone's target.

I love everything that Bill Eddy has written on high conflict people. With his background as both a counselor and an attorney, he has valuable insight for anyone dealing with a high conflict person. This book is written for both the legal professional and the lay person and he spans that gap well. He gives lists of the various kinds of personality disorders so you can tell one from the other, and lists the particular problems each personality disorder causes for others both in a personal relationship and in the courts. If you are in any kind of legal process against a high conflict person, read this book. If you are going through a divorce with one, also read his book "Splitting".

The book has helped me in my practice of working with families with kids during divorce. I have found out first hand that insight-oriented therapy doesn't work with a high conflict person. I like Billy Eddy's approach to helping families be able to work together.

I’ve read so many books about divorcing a narcissist. This is the best. You won’t be sorry you bought it. Give it to your attorney too.

This book has helped me keep my sence of self and integrity during some of the most challenging conflicts with my HC spouse before filing for divorce.

Bill Eddy is a writer, a lawyer and a therapist. Who could be more qualified to speak to this topic ? He has written books, has a website and has courses made up that help you these issues....some of which are recognized in American and Canadian Courts. His books are well written and seem to always lead to buying more (thank you to the author).

Excellent for anyone in the mediation and/or legal court fields who wants an easy to read and entertaining book on the various types of extreme personalities you may encounter.

This book is probably the bible for American mediators. I'm Australian and it was great to add understanding to my work. The US system is so different to the Australian that some of the book was not relevant to me and my work. Great insights into high conflict people from mental health, family law and mediation perspectives.

😊 in super shape and super fast shipping

A must read to know what you’re dealing with.