Being married to a narcissist quickly becomes a lesson in selfishness. A person who has this mental health condition is unable to think about how their actions impact others. Instead, they think only about what they want, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get their way.
While being married to a narcissist is difficult, ending a marriage with one might be even more complicated. There are several things that you should remember if you’re facing a divorce with an ex who’s a narcissist.
Prepare for emotional and legal combat
A narcissist knows no boundaries. They will lie and act out in order to get their way. There’s very little chance that you’ll be able to work out a settlement with a true narcissist. This means that you’ll likely have to go through a trial so the court can issue an order about property division, child custody and other related matters.
Learn to control your public reactions to their antics
Narcissists get their power from invoking reactions in others. Instead of letting them get this power from you, hold your reactions until you’re away from them. It might behoove you to have your attorney handle the communication between your side and your ex’s side so that there isn’t a chance for them to see your reactions.
If you know that your ex is a narcissist, you should alert your attorney to this point. This information may help them as they develop a strategy for your case. It’s also a good indication that you will have to fight for what you’re due. An early strategy can make your divorce go much more smoothly.
