Divorcing A Narcissist In Fort Lauderdale? How To Protect Yourself In Court
Divorcing someone with narcissistic traits is emotionally exhausting and can turn the legal process into a drawn-out, high-conflict battle. If your ex is manipulative, controlling, or obsessed with “winning” at all costs, you’re likely already anticipating a nightmare.
Narcissists often use divorce proceedings to keep exerting control through financial games, parenting disputes, or flat-out refusal to cooperate. In this situation, you need more than just emotional support. You need a strong legal strategy. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney helps clients in these and other complex cases. Find out how Florida law applies in the situation and steps to take now to protect your time, finances, and sanity.
Why Divorcing a Narcissist Can Be So Difficult
The American Psychiatric Association states that narcissistic personality disorder impacts less than ten percent of the population. However, many people exhibit narcissistic behavior, such as being self-centered, egotistical, and attention-seeking.
When a spouse has these traits, getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale can be more difficult. Instead of aiming for a fair outcome, your spouse may try to punish you, delay proceedings, or exploit legal loopholes to their advantage. Common tactics narcissists use in divorce:
- Dragging out litigation to run up legal bills and wear you down;
- Gaslighting and manipulation during negotiations or mediation;
- Refusing to disclose financial information or hiding assets;
- Using the children as leverage in custody disputes;
- Ignoring court orders to make you chase enforcement.
Unfortunately, these behaviors can slow the divorce process, increase stress, and even impact your legal outcome if you’re not prepared.
Legal Strategies To Help You Stay in Control When Divorcing A Narcissist In Fort Lauderdale
If your spouse exhibits narcissistic behavior in Broward County Family Court divorce proceedings, it can create serious problems. They may try to set themselves up as the victim, dispute your version of what went wrong in the marriage, refuse to appear in court, or create other types of drama.
Having a strong legal strategy can help you avoid their manipulation and stay focused and in control. We recommend taking these steps:
- Get professional legal help from someone with experience handling high-conflict divorces in Fort Lauderdale.
- Keep written records of all communications between you and your spouse, including personal conflicts, disputes over money, and parenting issues.
- Avoid direct conflict and let your attorney handle negotiations to avoid emotional traps.
- Request temporary orders regarding financial support or parenting time while your divorce case is pending.
- Make sure all terms surrounding your divorce are spelled out clearly in a final order for enforcement purposes.
Contact Our Office To Speak With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney
The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio represents clients throughout Broward County in complex and high-conflict divorce cases. If your spouse tries to gaslight or exhibits other narcissistic behavior, we take the legal actions needed to protect your rights and your peace of mind.
Get the experienced representation you need. To speak with our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney, give us a call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/what-is-narcissistic-personality-disorder
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
