Divorcing a Narcissist in Cobb County

Narcissists make everything harder—that is what they do. They thrive on creating chaos and being the center of attention. They need to control everything and everyone.

When you are divorcing a narcissist in Cobb County, you must be prepared for the process to be long and difficult. Even when you desperately want the divorce to be amicable and the settlement to be fair to everyone, the narcissist’s personality cannot allow it.

You will need skilled, supportive, and aggressive legal representation during your divorce. Our attorneys are not intimidated or impressed by a narcissist’s power games and we know how to navigate a high-conflict divorce. We will work diligently to accomplish your goals and help you emerge from the divorce with confidence and a settlement that meets your needs.

Assessing Finances Is Critical

Narcissists like to be in charge of a marriage. In many cases, they handle the money, even when they are not the primary breadwinners. This can put the other spouse at a disadvantage when they divorce.

A spouse must be able to set reasonable financial expectations when they divorce, and that is not possible if they have little understanding of the couple’s financial position. When a narcissist controls the couple’s finances, the other spouse should try to gather as much information as they can before they file for divorce.

Both spouses must make financial disclosure during the initial stages of a divorce proceeding, but narcissists often lie, hide assets, or delay the process. A skilled Cobb County attorney can respond forcefully to these tactics, but it is helpful when the other spouse can recognize when a financial statement is erroneous or incomplete.

Shore Up Emotional and Physical Boundaries

Narcissists are rarely cooperative during a divorce. They might pretend to negotiate and then blow up a settlement at the last minute with absurd demands. Sometimes their certainty that they are right and need to win means they refuse to negotiate at all. In many cases, it means a judge will have to decide the outstanding issues during a divorce trial.

A litigated divorce can be a traumatizing experience, and having a robust network of support is essential. A narcissist’s spouse should consider contacting a therapist, social worker, or divorce coach in Cobb County to help them during the inevitable emotional turbulence that will arise during the divorce. Parents should ensure their children have access to a qualified person to help them process their feelings.

Not all narcissists are physically violent, but emotional violence is part of most narcissists’ repertoire. The other spouse must set firm boundaries surrounding communication with the narcissist and hold firm to them. If the narcissist is harassing or abusive, a spouse could cut off communication entirely and limit contact to messages passed through legal professionals. Involving the police might be necessary if there is a threat of physical violence.

Be Vigilant Regarding the Children

Despite their unpleasant personality characteristics, some narcissists are good parents. Others will use the children to manipulate the other spouse.

The Official Code of Georgia §19-9-3 requires judges to consider the children’s best interests when making custody decisions. An aggressive Cobb County attorney can ensure a judge considers the damage a narcissistic parent can do to a child and demonstrate how the other parent provides a predictable, stable, and nurturing environment.

Even when a parent is not awarded physical and legal custody, they almost always retain their right to information about their children’s medical care and education. They also have the right to see the children regularly. When there are concerns for the children’s physical or emotional safety under the care of the narcissistic parent, the other parent could ask that visits be supervised.

Seek Aggressive Cobb County Representation When Divorcing a Narcissist

If being married to a narcissist is difficult, divorcing one can be even more overwhelming. You will need robust emotional and legal support.

When divorcing a narcissist in Cobb County, work with an experienced lawyer who is not afraid to fight for you in court. Reach out today to get started.