Divorcing a Narcissist? We Understand.
Are you planning to divorce someone acting as if their world revolves around them? Do they seem to have an excessive need for attention and admiration? Do they show a lack of empathy and consideration for others? If so, you could be divorcing a narcissist.
Recognizing narcissistic behavior in your spouse is important when you are contemplating divorce. At Nolletti Law Group, we understand the potential problems involved in divorcing a narcissist and how to handle them.
Understanding the Narcissistic Personality
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition diagnosed by mental health professionals. Your spouse may not technically suffer from the full-blown personality disorder to exhibit many troublesome traits. When you see the warning signs, you need to be prepared to deal with them regardless of any medical diagnoses.
Here are some traits to watch for:
- The need to always be right
- Constantly seeking status and recognition
- No displays of empathy
- Manipulative behavior
- Arrogance
- Making others feel inferior to make themselves seem superior
- Exploiting others with no sense of guilt
- Feelings of depression when they fall short of perfection
- The need to have the best of everything
Looking at all the bad characteristics makes the narcissist personality type seem like they would be unappealing and unbearable. However, some mental health professionals say that narcissists often come across as quite charming, especially in the early days of a relationship. They want to be liked and admired, so they may make themselves entertaining or shower people with gifts. But the negative traits become more obvious as time goes on.
The Problems Caused by Narcissists in Divorce
Narcissists like to control others, including their spouses, children, and even their legal team. They will often ignore legal advice and do anything they can to manipulate you and your family. Conflict may give them energy. It is important not to fuel the fire.
Allow your attorney to handle interactions with your spouse so that he or she has no opportunity to play the bully. You won’t be able to reason with them, so do not even try. Set boundaries and live by them.
It is wise to plan ahead when you are divorcing a narcissist. Talk to your attorney to learn your rights and take steps to protect yourself before bringing up the subject to your spouse. Develop a plan to secure access to money, living quarters, and protection for the children before making a move. As someone who craves both perfection and control, the narcissist is going to dislike the idea of divorce and may do everything in their power to stop it or try to ruin your future.
Since a narcissistic spouse will try to get their way with everything, negotiation can be difficult. However, sometimes a skilled divorce attorney can convince a narcissist that compromise positions are their own idea, which gives the narcissist a sense of empowerment. If negotiation is unproductive, make sure your divorce attorney is prepared to represent your interests efficiently in litigation. Many narcissists leverage their traits into financial success, so your attorney should also be prepared to handle complex money matters as well as personality issues.
Nolletti Law Group Helps When You’re Divorcing a Narcissist
If you have spent too much of your life dealing with a self-centered, manipulative partner, we are ready to help you break free. The experienced team at Nolletti Law Group can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
You deserve to have someone watch out for your interests and fight for your future. We have the expertise to deal with a narcissistic spouse in a divorce while working to ensure that you emerge from the divorce process in the best position to move forward. Contact us for a confidential consultation to learn more about how we can help.