In the demanding world of family law, particularly in high-conflict litigation, both young and seasoned lawyers are increasingly reporting significant spikes in anxiety and depression.
This phenomenon is not merely anecdotal; it reflects a broader understanding of how the pressures of the practice of family law can severely affect mental health.
Think of the typical morning of a high-conflict family court motion, trial or questioning – the stress, the nervousness, the elevated heartbeat, the sweaty palms and the rapid breathing.
These symptoms are all too familiar to family law lawyers working in high-conflict divorce cases.
When that stress is activated, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and the immune system, while adrenaline triggers the fight-or-flight response. This is the body’s physiological response to the stress.
Although some stress is beneficial and provides a response to challenges, excessive and prolonged stress can lead to significant mental health deterioration.
High-conflict family law litigation can create a relentless cycle of stress, where lawyers find themselves continually on edge due to the high emotional stakes of their cases. The chronic stress experienced in high-conflict cases can have detrimental effects on mental well-being.
The prevalence of anxiety and depression among lawyers has been well-documented. The pressure to perform, the fear of making mistakes, and the emotional toll of navigating family disputes create a perfect storm for mental health struggles. With high demands and often limited resources for support, many lawyers find themselves in a cycle of stress that is difficult to break.
To combat the mental health crisis in the legal field, especially in high-conflict family law, it is crucial to develop better coping strategies. Law firms and legal organizations must prioritize mental health resources, provide ongoing mentorship and foster environments where lawyers can openly discuss their challenges. This is especially necessary for family law lawyers who generally operated as sole practitioners or isolated by working from home.
In conclusion, the impact of high-conflict family law litigation on mental health is profound and requires pre-emptive and responsive attention. Support networks, mindfulness practices and promoting work-life balance are essential steps in mitigating the negative effects of this stress. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of stress and prioritizing good health, the legal profession can move towards a more manageable and sustainable practice for all lawyers so that they can thrive in their careers without sacrificing their mental health.
Editorial note: This article was first published on LinkedIn in July 2025 and is republished here for reference.
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