Divorce is never easy. The dissolution of a marriage can take an emotional, financial, and even physical toll on everyone involved, especially if you’re divorcing a narcissist.
A narcissist can turn every aspect of divorce into an ugly, contentious battle. Minor issues that both parties seemingly agree on could become hotly contested for no apparent reason. Given the mental games many narcissists tend to play, you could be in a constant state of stress and worry throughout the dissolution of your marriage. Consider the following tips when dealing with a narcissistic spouse during a Georgia divorce.
A Sense of Control
Many people feel helpless during the process of divorcing a narcissistic spouse. Unfortunately, it is impossible to truly maintain control in a divorce situation, as the process involves two personalities – one of which is extremely unpredictable. While you can’t control your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you can focus on the factors that are in your ability to control.
This starts with making sure you understand your responsibilities during the divorce process. Being aware of the potential pitfalls that come with noncompliance can help prevent mistakes that would otherwise hurt your case. It can also be useful to focus on the life choices that are still in your control, including your daily routine and your self-care. Speak with your attorney about what other things you can do to maintain your sense of control.
Keep Careful Records
The reality of dealing with a narcissist during divorce is that the process often becomes litigious. Even minor disagreements can result in explosive battles that drag out legal proceedings. By keeping careful records and notes, you can protect yourself during your marriage dissolution.
Examples of diligent and thorough record keeping includes documenting every time a narcissistic spouse violates a court order or does something inflammatory. Keep any emails or text messages between you and your ex, and ensure all communication is facilitated through your attorney or executed in writing. Careful documentation can be of tremendous importance during a narcissistic divorce case in Georgia.
Maintain Boundaries
Narcissists often push boundaries to emotionally manipulate someone. For this reason, it’s imperative to maintain strict boundaries during your divorce. Politely decline if your ex-spouse seeks advice or guidance and leave any contact to an attorney whenever possible. The stronger your boundaries are, the more likely your marriage is to dissolve without a hitch.
Trust Your Instincts
In the end, any divorcee in Georgia dealing with a narcissist should trust their instincts. After all, you know your spouse better than anyone. If certain interactions feel problematic, it’s probably wise to avoid them. Take the time to think things through, but don’t ignore your base instincts when it comes to divorcing a narcissistic ex-spouse.
That said, there is a difference between trusting instincts and ignoring sound advice. In many cases, spouses can be blind to the motivations of the person they are divorcing. For this reason, it’s important to trust the advice and insight of an attorney as well as close family and friends.
Let a Georgia Attorney Help You Deal with a Narcissistic Spouse during Divorce
The best way to deal with a narcissistic spouse during a Georgia divorce is to listen to your legal counsel. Our team has experience handling these cases and can use their insight to help you protect your legal rights.
Most importantly, your attorney is a valuable neutral third party and can approach your case with a clear eyes and open mind. Contact our intake team to learn more about how we can help you.
