Living with a narcissist may be difficult, and getting a divorce from one may test your patience. Knowing how to handle narcissism may help you better handle the situation. While we cannot guarantee that divorcing a narcissist will be simple, a Michigan divorce lawyer can help you manage the options available. Here are some suggestions for how to cope with a narcissist during a divorce.
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What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist
In the end, you can’t address the core nature of a narcissist. Drama is a narcissist’s way of controlling the situation and gaining attention. Divorcing a narcissist is difficult, but it is possible if you have a strategy in place.
You can expect your ex will spread rumors about you and accuse you of your parenting, how you handle money, and other things. Most of the time, your partner’s bad behavior is what they try to blame on you when they make false accusations.
As you go through this process, you will require emotional support. You must have a reliable friend or family member you can talk to, but make sure you don’t spend all your time with that person talking about the divorce or your ex.
How to Avoid Conflict When Divorcing a Narcissist
A narcissist will do anything to get ahead and win, especially when it comes to a divorce settlement. Once the petition to end the marriage is filed, you may find that your spouse’s behavior becomes even more combative than it was before the divorce petition was filed. Here are a few pointers to make the process go more smoothly for you:
- Set Realistic Expectations: Knowing that your spouse isn’t going to be playing fair will help you be ready if he or she fights about anything related to the marriage, like property division, alimony, or time with the kids.
- Document Everything: Most of the time, a narcissist will lie to get what he or she wants out of a situation. Record what your spouse says by keeping records of all conversations through email, voicemail, and text.
- Understand Your Financial Situation: It is essential to have a thorough understanding of your marital estate to obtain what is legitimately yours. In other instances, a narcissistic spouse may have concealed assets or even squandered them through lavish spending.
- Manage Your Emotions: There is little you can do about the reactions of others, but you can take control of your own emotions. It is advisable not to argue with your spouse, as it will likely infuriate them. Getting emotional support through a divorce support group or seeing a therapist may benefit you.
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a couple may divorce regardless of who is at fault for the dissolution of their marriage. For this reason, it is essential to hire an experienced attorney who knows the problems that can occur while dealing with a narcissistic spouse.
Contact a Michigan Divorce Lawyer Today
Goldman and Associates will assist you through your divorce, regardless of the obstacles your ex-spouse presents. If you are considering a divorce from a narcissist, contact us immediately or schedule an appointment for a free consultation.