Every divorce has its own difficulties and complications, but if your spouse has narcissistic personality disorder, you can expect the divorce process to be that much more arduous. Understanding this from the outset and planning accordingly can give you the strength you need to make it through the divorce process with your parental and financial rights intact. If you’re divorcing a narcissist, it’s important to work closely with a dedicated Fort Worth divorce attorney who has considerable experience with these often highly combative divorces.
The stress and conflict of divorce have a way of driving even the most mild-mannered among us to engage in erratic behaviors. When the person in question is a narcissist, you can expect much worse.
Narcissists Often See Divorce as a Failure
Even if your divorcing spouse instigated the divorce and is already moving on with his or her post-divorce life, narcissists tend to view divorce as a failure, and you will likely be a reminder of that failure. The bottom line is that you’re not going to convince your divorcing spouse otherwise, so keeping your nose to the grindstone regarding hammering out divorce terms (working through your experienced divorce attorney) and keeping your contact with your soon-to-be-ex to a bare minimum is the way to go.
Narcissists Are Not Above Involving the Kids
Your narcissist spouse may seize every opportunity to put your kids in the middle of this unhappy situation. Narcissists tend to see things in black and white, and this means that you will likely be cast as the bad guy and that he or she will adopt the role of the good parent, regardless of the truth of the matter. This is one situation in which explaining the basics to your children (in words they can understand) can leave them better prepared to process the mayhem and can help protect them emotionally. A trusted counselor can help you find the right words.
Narcissists Seek Drama
Even amicable divorces tend to have their dramatic moments, but you can expect your narcissist spouse to cause drama throughout the process. High conflict divorces are some of the most difficult of all, and they can cost additional time, money, and stress. When you’re divorcing a narcissist, you are almost guaranteed that your case will go to court, and your attorney can plan for this possibility from the outset so you are best prepared. They can work to find ways to protect your resources while still protecting your rights.
Top Tips for Divorcing a Narcissist
If you’re divorcing a narcissist, all of the following can serve you well:
- Maintain boundaries to the best of your ability.
- Do not discuss the case or litigation with your children.
- Don’t take your ex’s nasty comments personally.
- Listen to your experienced divorce attorney - not to the advice of well-meaning friends and family members.
Reach out to an Experienced Fort Worth Divorce Attorney Today
If you’re divorcing a narcissist, the dedicated Fort Worth divorce attorneys at The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark have the compassion, commitment, and legal insight to help. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 817-348-6723 today.