Not many life events are as stressful as the end of a marriage through divorce. It can open a floodgate of emotions and lead people to behave in extremely uncharacteristic ways. After all, divorce involves the future of things dearest to life – children, finances and, sometimes, relationships with friends and family.
Divorce is, in and of itself, tough. But if the divorce involves a belligerent spouse, then you need to come up with a solid plan. Here are three tips that can help you keep your battles at a minimum when divorcing a narcissist in Ashburn.
Remain calm and focused
No matter how much your spouse is getting under your skin, it is in your best interest that you keep a level head. Avoid the temptation to get into fights with them. Sure, narcissists thrive in chaos, but you should always make an effort to stay calm.
Keep a record of everything
Narcissists change their minds all the time. One moment they might agree on one thing (say parenting time) only to show up in court and denounce everything you agreed upon. To prepare for potential issues down the road, be sure to have every agreement in writing. If you agree on parenting time, for instance, be sure to note down how each party will spend time with the children. If possible, have them sign these agreements too. With clear documentation, your fibbing spouse will not succeed in arm-twisting you.
Seek help if you need to
If the situation escalates to the point of emotional or physical abuse, or if you are worried about your children’s well-being, you need to seek help. This may include the possibility of taking out an order of protection against your spouse. It may also include seeking counselling or support services.
Protecting your rights
Living with a narcissist is tough. And so is divorcing them. Fortunately, understanding your legal options can help you protect your rights and interests while severing ties with a difficult spouse.