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Property division: Negotiation tricky when divorcing a narcissist

On Behalf of | Oct 14, 2015 | Property Division |

While more and more couples in Texas opt for divorces that will allow them to maintain amicable relationships after the final judgment, this option is not suitable for all. In marriages in which one spouse has been combative, controlling and mostly unrepentant, matters such as property division, child custody and parenting plans often cause so much contention that communication becomes impossible. Dealing with a narcissistic spouse in divorce may require written rather than verbal communication.

Reasoning with narcissists may be impossible due to their exploitative and manipulative personalities and their need to be in control of every situation. For this reason, some say that all contact be limited to written communication, either through text messages or emails. Records of written communication may provide evidence of abuse, and some spouses request that the court specify this form of communication in the divorce judgment.

Narcissists are typically not forthcoming with financial information, and gathering relevant information prior to filing for divorce may be the only way to get access to it. It is not uncommon for a spouse with this disorder to maintain control of the couple’s finances during the marriage, and he or she may delay disclosure of financial information concerning bank statements, retirement account information, stock portfolios and more. Some information may be obtained by running a credit report, and the IRS can provide a copy of a couple’s joint tax return.

Navigating a divorce from a narcissistic spouse can be overwhelming, and Texas spouses in such situations may find comfort in knowing that they do not have to go through it on their own. An experienced divorce attorney can provide support and guidance every step of the way. A lawyer can protect the right of a client in all matters, including property division, child custody, visitation, parenting plans and more. In some cases, an attorney can also assist in obtaining a temporary restraining order, when appropriate, to ensure the safety of the client and his or her children.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Divorcing a Narcissist: 5 Top Tips“, Bari Zell Weinberger, Oct. 6, 2015