How a Narcissist Affects Custody
Divorce can seemingly bring out the worst in people. Whether it is fighting over a home and financial assets, or custody of the children, conflict during the dissolution of a marriage can be devastating. In a custody battle, if one parent is a narcissist, it may be even more difficult to resolve.
If you believe that the other parent of your child is a narcissist and their behavior is negatively impacting your son or daughter, speak with a dedicated and compassionate custody lawyer. An experienced parental rights attorney could provide guidance on how a narcissist affects custody in your case.
What is a Narcissist?
According to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), someone with a narcissistic personality has a grandiose sense of self-importance that exaggerates their achievements and talents. People demonstrating narcissistic tendencies often expect to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements and may be preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or love.
This type of attitude could complicate the custody agreement drafting process as a narcissist may be inclined to believe that they are the child’s best option and fight for full custody at every turn. Whether or not a person is diagnosed with narcissism by a licensed and practicing psychologist and psychiatrist, many parents exhibit some of these behaviors during custody hearings and divorce proceedings. Disparaging comments about the one parent and other manipulative and alienating behaviors are often another way how a narcissist affects custody agreements. A parental rights attorney could assess a particular case to help determine if narcissism is present in a divorce and affecting the children.
Fighting in a Custody Battle with a Narcissist
The process of securing child custody against a narcissist is essentially the same as with anybody else. Both parents must either agree on a custody plan during mediation and take it to court to be approved, or they must fight over the specifics of their arrangement during litigation.
A major way how a narcissist affects custody is by pursuing parental rights as a form of enhancing or creating a power disparity between themselves and the other parent. It is believed that many narcissists primarily want child custody not for the welfare of the kid, but for their own gratification. As the courts are obliged to provide the child with the care that is in their best interest, the narcissist may be prevented from gaining custody.
Children need a stable and caring environment where their needs can be met in order to give them the best chance. If a parent places their own concerns and wants over the needs of their child, they would likely not be a good caretaker and primary custodial guardian. A parental rights attorney could investigate the circumstances and help determine if the children are receiving adequate care from the allegedly narcissistic parent.
How Can I Fight for My Child Against a Narcissist?
Some advice for people involved in a custody battle with a narcissist is to consult with a custody attorney who can guide you through what the important factors of your case. If that person can show that the child’s best interests are served by having custody, the court will rule in their favor. It is essential to contact a child custody attorney as soon as possible, and document everything. If your spouse is attempting to turn your child against you, or is fighting for custodial rights but not in your kid’s best interest, collecting evidence of their actions may help you and your parental rights attorney fight for the custody arrangement you and your child deserve. Set up a consultation for your case and to learn more about how a narcissist affects custody and what can be used against you in a custody battle.
