When you are married to someone with narcissistic traits, it can be challenging to maintain your sense of self-worth and agency. Narcissists will build you up to tear you down. Over time, that behavior can have a devastating impact.
Gathering the courage to end your marriage is tough, and divorcing a narcissist in Forsyth County will not be easy. However, working with a lawyer who is skilled in managing high-conflict divorce can help.
The family law attorneys at the Atlanta Divorce Law Group can guide and support you throughout the process. The firm’s legal team will work diligently to ensure you meet your goals in the divorce, despite the narcissist’s best efforts to defeat you.
A narcissist’s entire self-concept is rooted in superiority and a need to be admired and respected. Telling a narcissist you do not want to remain married to them can threaten their self-image.
They often will double down on gaslighting to convince you that the problems in your marriage are figments of your imagination or all your fault. Or they might turn on the charm to try to convince you that the love you share can conquer any obstacles.
Whichever tactic they choose, recognize that these are all forms of manipulation designed to protect the narcissist’s ego. They are less interested in building and maintaining a satisfying marriage than in polishing their image while making you wrong. Do not fall for it. Seeking the guidance of an attorney in Forsyth County who is experienced in handling narcissistic divorce is vital.
Once the narcissist understands that you intend to divorce them and will stand on your rights, things might get ugly. It is not unusual for a spouse with narcissistic tendencies to bad mouth you to your friends, neighbors, family members, and children. They might even try to ruin your reputation at work.
There is little you can do about this except ignore it and hope most people who care about you will see through the narcissist’s lies. However, it is essential to protect your children. If the narcissist tries to alienate your children, that is child abuse. Inform your high-conflict divorce attorney immediately so they can bring it to the attention of the Forsyth County family court judge.
It is also essential to have a financial plan in place. Narcissists often like to manage the family finances because it feeds their need for control. Your spouse may try to use access to funds to control you during the divorce proceedings. This strategy will backfire if you have put money aside or arrange for help from an employer, friend, or family member.
The most important thing you can do when you are in a relationship with a narcissist—or ending one—is to set firm boundaries. It is also something that narcissists find infuriating, so be prepared for drama.
If you share children with the narcissistic spouse, you will have to deal with them over the long term. Set strict rules regarding the narcissist’s:
The narcissist will likely ignore the rules at first to test your commitment. Defend your boundaries and report violations to your Forsyth County narcissistic divorce attorney immediately.
If you are like most people, you probably long for a mutually respectful and amicable divorce. You will not get one if your spouse has narcissistic tendencies.
Divorcing a narcissist in Forsyth County requires an attorney who is comfortable and confident in litigating high-conflict divorces. The legal team at the Atlanta Divorce Law Group has the skills and experience you need.
Do not tolerate narcissistic abuse any longer. Schedule a free consultation today.