If a spouse is working through divorcing a narcissistic husband, the spouse may run into some issues approaching the situation and following through with the divorce. Here are some strategies to keep in mind in order to successfully divorce a narcissistic husband.
In order to divorce a narcissistic husband, a spouse should prepare before officially filing for divorce by maintaining a personal fund, securing records of everything in the marriage, and hiring a good divorce lawyer.
What is Narcissism?
Narcissism is a personality disorder that is characterized by obsessive fantasies of absolute self-importance, arrogance, and power. Narcissists will exploit and manipulate those around them in order to fulfill their obsession with power and success. They see no faults in themselves, and their egos know no bounds.
Narcissists do not recognize their disorder, making it difficult for them to recognize when they have erred. They cannot recognize when they have failed in their marriage, so divorcing a narcissist can be tough when working through the specifics. During a divorce, narcissists may demand an unfair division of assets or be combative because they do not see their own faults, instead, placing the blame on the spouse.
Related: How to Rebuild Your Life After Divorce for Women
Divorcing a Narcissistic Husband
1. Keep Some Funds on Hand
Divorcing a narcissistic husband can be a long battle, one where he most likely will not support his spouse financially. As a result, it is important for the spouse to prepare extra funds to support themself before officially beginning the divorce proceedings.
Start as soon as possible. Keep the funds somewhere the husband will not find it, like in a separate bank. Avoid leaving a trail that he may be able to find and sabotage the savings.
2. Document Everything Before Filing for Divorce
Divorcing a narcissistic husband requires preparation. It is very possible that a narcissistic husband will react very negatively to a divorce and may lash out, destroying assets and capital before divorce settlements can be finalized. Without proof of assets, the spouse may end up suffering major losses without a way to hold the husband accountable. The narcissistic husband may also refuse to provide the required documents, so be sure to prepare everything necessary before the divorce proceedings begin. Before officially filing for divorce, document everything that is jointly owned by both spouses. Get up to date records of the following:
- Bank accounts
- Property records
- Mortgages and credit
- Paychecks
- At least 3 years of the most recent tax returns
- Insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Investment and retirement accounts
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport.
3. Hire a Good Divorce Lawyer
Having an excellent divorce lawyer is the best way to defend against a narcissistic husband. A good lawyer will ensure the legal proceedings are fair, preventing a narcissistic husband from overpowering the spouse and abusing the law in his favor. A good lawyer will protect the spouse’s rights and support them every step of the divorce proceedings.
The law is the strongest protection against a narcissistic husband because it can enforce the terms of the divorce and a spouse has the power of the law to prosecute and seek damages if the narcissistic husband violates the terms of the divorce. Since the law is such a powerful force in divorce, it is very important to have a good lawyer that can secure fair divorce terms.
Related: How to Have an Amicable Divorce in California
FAQs
What is narcissism?
Narcissism is a personality disorder where someone is overly preoccupied with self-righteousness, success, personal gain, and power. A narcissist will do everything they can to fulfill their own personal desires, even at the expense of others.
What should I do to divorce a narcissistic husband?
In order to divorce a narcissistic husband, a spouse should prepare as much as possible to avoid headaches during the divorce proceedings. This preparation should take place before officially filing for divorce, and should include accumulating a personal fund, gathering all necessary documents, and hiring a good divorce attorney.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one is divorcing a narcissistic husband, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Divorce Attorneys for Women in California today!