Divorcing a Narcissist – Key Steps You Need to Take

The divorce process may be even more frustrating than normal if you are divorcing someone with a narcissistic personality. When sorting through issues such as child visitation, property division, and finances, it is important to remain calm and maintain a level head. Handling somebody else acting selfishly could be difficult, but there are a few steps you could take to improve your chances of a positive outcome.

Maintain a Sense of Power

Odds are that if you are in the process of divorcing a narcissist, they are attempting to control the power dynamic. Narcissists generally have a desire to gain power and control intense situations. As a result, they may be less likely to suggest fair outcomes in negotiable situations. It is likely that you will be frequently presented with low-ball offers in settlement negotiations. Although it may be difficult at times, it is important to stand up for yourself and refuse to settle below your worth.

Inform Your Attorney of The Situation

In any divorce, regardless of your spouse’s personality, it is important to inform your attorney of any and all variables that may arise. This becomes even truer when divorcing a narcissist. It is not always immediately obvious to outside parties when someone is narcissistic, especially in circumstances where the individual may be well-liked and presents themselves in a professional manner. Disclosing your spouse’s tendencies to your attorney early on in the process could help determine the best strategy moving forward.

Keep a Paper Trail

While maintaining records and copies of important financial documents is typically helpful in a divorce, this becomes even more beneficial when divorcing a narcissist. Narcissists usually have an inflated sense of entitlement, and it is possible that they may be willing to lie in order to achieve what they want. If your divorce evolves into a “he said/she said” situation, maintaining a solid record of transactions and financial information might make a difference in the final outcome.

Keep Calm

Although going through a divorce is an inherently stressful situation, keeping your calm throughout the process is helpful especially when dealing with a narcissist. Not only will it assist in presenting yourself in a mature and positive image, but it will help prevent you from falling into traps that your spouse may have set for you in order to paint you in a negative light. Do not communicate with your partner in any way that expresses anger or harassment as this may potentially hurt your case. Narcissists will do their best to control the narrative of the divorce and negative comments directed towards your spouse may be manipulated and used against you.

Contacting an Attorney

Ultimately, going through a divorce is a complex process and there is no clear blueprint on how to act. All the scenarios are different. If your narcissistic spouse is complicating your divorce, our dedicated team of divorce lawyers may be of assistance to you.  At Moskowitz Law Group, we are experienced in dealing with all different kinds of divorce cases and will do our best to assist you throughout the process. To learn more about your legal rights and how to proceed, call today.