The Importance of Final Decision Making in Acrimonious Cases

Final decision-making may be important to both parties’ in a divorce action where the parties are unable to get along, especially when it comes to key decisions involving their children. 

The authority to have final decision making power may be important to ensure stability for the children, and prevent delays in making important choices. When divorcing parties have a high level of conflict, everyday decisions about children, finances, or property can become battlegrounds. Granting one party final decision-making authority helps reduce the need for constant disagreements or court intervention over routine matters.

In contentious divorces, disputes over major parenting decisions (e.g., education, medical care, extracurricular activities) can disrupt a child’s well-being. Final decision-making authority ensures that one parent can make timely decisions in the best interests of the child, providing stability.

Conflict between the parties can also lead to indecision or obstruction, especially when both parties are unable to compromise. Final decision-making authority allows essential decisions to be made efficiently, preventing delays that could negatively impact children’s schooling, healthcare, or other time-sensitive issues.