How a Narcissist Affects Custody in Alpharetta
A co-parent with narcissistic behavior can affect child custody arrangements. The combination of dealing with a narcissist, as well as trying to do what is best for your child, can be overwhelming. It can feel as if the other parent, unfairly, has all the control.
A divorce attorney from our team who understands how a narcissist affects custody in Alpharetta can help you. At Atlanta Divorce Law Group, we know how seriously custody cases can impact your life and your child’s. Our team will guide you through the process with compassion and strategic legal support.
What Are Some Common Traits of Narcissists?
When dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, it can be helpful to understand the common traits that may influence their behavior in an Alpharetta custody case. These can include:
- Lack of empathy: unwillingness to care about how others feel;
- Need for control: insisting on overseeing every decision, including co-parenting decisions;
- Manipulative behavior: twisting facts, lying, or using guilt as a control tactic;
- Gaslighting tactics: making others question their memory of events;
- Sense of entitlement: believing the rules do not apply to them;
- Tendency to blame others: not taking responsibility and shifting blame;
- Exploitative behavior: using people, even their own children.
Recognizing these patterns can help you and your legal team prepare for how a narcissist may challenge custody.
What Is the Impact of Narcissistic Behavior in Georgia Family Court?
Georgia courts focus on the best interests of the child. As a result, family courts assess each parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs. When one parent demonstrates documented narcissistic behavior, it can affect custody arrangements. For example, a judge can look unfavorably at a parent who is unwilling to communicate respectfully, adhere to agreements, or prioritize the child’s needs.
In Georgia, family courts do not diagnose mental health conditions during a custody case. However, they can evaluate behaviors and patterns that impact a child’s well-being. Our team in Alpharetta understands how a narcissist affects parental rights and can help you prepare for what to expect in court.
Documenting Patterns
When preparing for a custody case involving a narcissist, documentation is important. Our experienced legal team often recommends that clients keep records of:
- Missed visitations;
- Delayed child custody exchanges;
- Disrespectful communication via emails, texts, or voicemails;
- Lack of cooperation;
- Attempts to turn the child against the other parent;
- Signs of emotional manipulation.
Your attorney at Atlanta Divorce Law Group can help you organize this information for presentation to the family court. Working with an Alpharetta attorney familiar with high-conflict custody cases gives you experienced legal support and a plan for navigating the situation.
Parallel Parenting
In some cases, co-parenting simply does not work, especially when one parent engages in narcissistic behaviors. Georgia family courts can consider alternative parenting plans, such as parallel parenting. This option reduces interactions between the parents while maintaining each parent’s time with the child. Parallel parenting can involve defining boundaries, structuring a parenting plan, communicating only in writing, and using parenting apps or third-party communication tools.
At Atlanta Divorce Law Group, our firm has experience creating parenting plans that reduce chances for conflict. One of our Alpharetta family law attorneys who understands how narcissism affects custody can help you understand your options.
Speak With an Alpharetta Child Custody Lawyer Today About Dealing With a Narcissist
Custody disputes involving a narcissistic co-parent are never easy. However, a child custody lawyer from our team can help you build a solid case, document unhealthy patterns, and advocate for a plan that prioritizes your child’s needs. We know how a narcissist affects custody in Alpharetta and will fight to ensure the Georgia family courts understand what is at stake. If you are battling a narcissistic co-parent, contact our team at Atlanta Divorce Law Group today to schedule a consultation.
