How To Safely Handle Custody Exchanges With Your Narcissistic Ex-Spouse

Custody

Aug 5, 2025 | Content

Dealing safely with a narcissistic ex-spouse can be challenging, especially during stressful situations, such as custody exchanges. During these potentially volatile situations, it is important to stay calm and not engage in any negative behaviors.

We can recommend a few strategies to help make these situations less risky. In this blog, our family law attorneys at the Atlanta Divorce Law Group provide some tips to keep you and your children safe during pickups and drop-offs.

Strictly Follow Your Parenting Plan

Our goal is to help ensure your family’s well-being. That is why we recommend staying safe and minimizing opportunities for conflict with your narcissistic ex-spouse during custody exchanges. One of the best ways to do that is to stick to your court-approved parenting plan.

Your attorney will set various parameters that both parties are expected to uphold, including clearly defined dates, times, and locations for pickups and drop-offs. Once the family court approves this document, it leaves little room for misinterpretation. If necessary, our team can prepare a parallel parenting plan for your family. The court designed this option for high-conflict situations to minimize direct contact with your narcissistic ex-spouse.

Establish Strict Boundaries for Communication

Now that you and your spouse are divorced, it is essential to set strict boundaries. If possible, communicate solely in writing to prevent manipulation. However, when you do need to discuss co-parenting issues face-to-face, keep interactions brief and to the point. A narcissist may try to provoke you into an argument during custody exchanges, so do your best to be cautious and handle the situation calmly. Keep your focus on the children and their well-being. Never engage in topics outside the family unit, such as your dating life.

Where Should You Meet?

Another way to help keep you safe is to meet your narcissistic ex-spouse in a neutral location, especially when discussing delicate topics such as custody. It is always best to avoid driving to their home. Even if the other parent tries to seek your sympathy, do not encourage their behavior. If possible, choose a public location, such as a school or daycare, for custody exchanges.

If the kids are older and can exit the car on their own, let them. You could stay safely in the driver’s seat with the window up. If your ex-spouse has a history of domestic violence, you may want to schedule your meeting at a police station or firehouse parking lot.

If Your Ex-Spouse Is a Narcissist, Discuss Custody Exchanges With a Compassionate Family Attorney

Our team of experienced attorneys understands the challenges you face after a divorce. In particular, we can advise you on how to safely handle custody exchanges with your narcissistic ex-spouse to ensure your and your child’s safety.

If you have questions, it is time to reach out to the Atlanta Divorce Law Group for advice you can trust. Contact us now and let us guide you through Georgia’s family court process.

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How To Safely Handle Custody Exchanges With Your Narcissistic Ex-Spouse

Strictly Follow Your Parenting Plan

Establish Strict Boundaries for Communication

Where Should You Meet?

If Your Ex-Spouse Is a Narcissist, Discuss Custody Exchanges With a Compassionate Family Attorney

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