Tips for Divorcing a Narcissistic Spouse in Michigan

 Posted on February 11, 2020 in Divorce

In some marriages, a spouse may be unhappy, but the thought of filing for a divorce can be intimidating. If a couple has children together, one parent may not want to break up the family unit. However, being married to a narcissist who is self-involved and arrogant can be damaging to the entire family. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a psychological disorder that manifests with the constant need for acknowledgment and a lack of caring for others. Getting out of this type of toxic relationship by filing for divorce may be in your best interest. Since a narcissist typically believes he or she is always right, this can cause a lot of disputes during the legal proceedings. The following are a few practical ways to minimize the conflict when legally ending your marriage to a narcissist. 

Ways to Reduce Conflict

A narcissist will do everything in his or her power to gain an advantage and win, especially regarding a divorce settlement. Although you may have been used to your spouse’s behavior while you were married, he or she may become even more contentious once the petition to dissolve the marriage is issued. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process smoothly: 

• Set Realistic Expectations: Realizing that your spouse is not going to play fair will help prepare you if he or she contests any of the marital issues such as division of property, spousal support, or parenting time.  
  
• Get Everything in Writing: A narcissist will often lie as a means of manipulating the situation to his or her liking. Document what your spouse says by keeping records of any conversations via email, voicemail, or text messages. 
  
• Understand Your Finances: Getting a clear picture of your marital estate is crucial to receiving what is rightfully yours. In some cases, a narcissistic spouse may have hidden assets or even dissipated them through extravagant spending.  
  
• Control Your Emotions: You may not be able to control how your spouse reacts to things, but you can manage your feelings. It is best not to engage your spouse because it will likely enrage him or her. Joining a divorce support group or seeking counseling may help you emotionally. 
  

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means a couple can get divorced regardless of who is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. This is why it is imperative to hire an experienced attorney who understands the complications that can arise when negotiating with a narcissistic spouse. 

Contact a Novi, MI, Spousal Support Lawyer

Going through a divorce can be challenging even under the best circumstances. Ending your marriage to a narcissistic spouse can be even more difficult. That is why it is critical that you seek professional legal counsel to ensure your rights are protected. The accomplished Oakland County divorce attorneys at Elkouri Heath, PLC, will handle your case with exceptional care and attention to detail. We understand how daunting it can be to file and go through the proceedings in highly contested divorces. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 248-344-9700. 

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201605/13-essential-tips-if-you-are-divorcing-narcissist

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-chap552.pdf