Divorce can be an emotionally draining and stressful process for any couple, but it can be especially difficult if one spouse is a narcissist. Narcissists are people who have a highly self-centered personality, who often feel superior to others and need constant attention to satisfy their self-esteem. They can be manipulative, controlling, and may have difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions. If you are in a marriage with a narcissist and are considering divorce, here are some things to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to recognize that divorcing a narcissist can be a long and difficult process. Narcissists often have a high need for control, and may struggle to come to terms with the idea that their partner is pulling away from them. They may try to manipulate, control, or intimidate their partner into staying in the relationship, or they may go out of their way to make the divorce process as difficult as possible. They may also be adept at hiding their true intentions and emotions behind a façade of conviviality, which can make it difficult for the other person to know what to expect.
For this reason, it is important that people divorcing a narcissist protect themselves and their families. This may mean taking steps to ensure your physical, emotional, and financial safety. Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
Seek early legal advice
If you are considering a divorce, it is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced narcissist divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and can help you prepare for any potential conflict or foul play that may occur. They can also help you set clear and effective boundaries to protect your interests.
Gather evidence and documentation
Narcissists can be adept at distorting the truth and manipulating the facts to suit their own interests. For this reason, it is important that you gather as much documentation as possible to support your claims. This can include financial records, emails, text messages, medical records, and anything else you can use to support your arguments. It may also be helpful to keep a detailed journal of any incidents that occur during the divorce proceedings.
Protect your physical security
If you feel that your physical safety may be at risk, it is important that you take steps to protect yourself. This may include talking to the police or getting a restraining order. It may also be helpful to inform friends, family, or co-workers of the situation so they can be aware of any potential threats.
Keep communication to a minimum
Once you’ve started the divorce process, you may want to limit the amount of communication you have with your ex. Narcissists can be adept at manipulating and controlling their partners through communication.