An amicable divorce is the dream of many who are ending a marriage. Unfortunately, few couples achieve this idealized dream due to the onslaught of emotions that go hand-in-hand with divorce.
While divorcing is rarely easy, it becomes even more complicated if your spouse has a narcissistic personality or a few narcissistic traits. The strategies discussed below can help you cope during your divorce and prevent your spouse from taking control.
Document everything
Those with narcissistic tendencies often lie to get what they want. For example, they may accuse their spouse of impropriety or even illegal conduct. You can combat this by limiting communications with your spouse to emails, texts or messaging apps. Taking this approach provides you with word-for-word records of your communications that can protect you in court.
Know the law
Having a firm grasp of California divorce, marital property and child custody laws helps ensure that you are prepared to obtain a fair and balanced divorce settlement. If your narcissistic spouse attempts to derail your divorce, your knowledge of the law can prevent them from doing so. For example, if they threaten to leave you with nothing or take custody of your kids, you have a better idea of what they can and cannot do during your divorce.
Get support
You are unlikely to have an easy time divorcing someone with narcissistic traits. Most people need as much help as possible during this journey. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members and consider seeking professional therapy or counseling to help you survive your divorce.
With sound legal guidance, a support team and realistic expectations, you can succeed in ending your unhappy and stressful marriage.