You need to provide your attorney with examples of how your spouse's behavior proves that they have narcissistic tendencies. Common symptoms of a narcissistic personality disorder include: An exaggerated sense of self-importance. Sense of entitlement.
Document Everything
A narcissist thrives on your confusion and self-doubt. If they can trap you in a “lie,” they will. If you are going up against a narcissist in court, it is essential that you start documenting everything now. Keep records, bank statements, invoices, photos and videos.
You can trigger narcissistic rage by putting the narcissist in a position of looking bad. Narcissists do not take criticism well. Gather witnesses who have seen your narcissistic ex behaving badly. This could include family, friends, co-works, teachers.
This may include witness statements, documentary evidence, expert testimony, or other forms of evidence that demonstrate the parent's narcissistic behavior and its impact on the child.
Being exposed, especially in front of people they want to impress, will trigger the narcissist's rage. Family law professionals will witness a distinct personality change and have proof that the narcissist's words don't line up with their actions. The narcissist will be careful not to directly malign you in court.
When confronted with facts, the person will likely allow their true nature to come out. A judge can see firsthand the combative, abusive, and controlling nature of the narcissistic parent.
However, narcissists are skilled imposters, and many family law judges have been fooled by a narcissistic dad. Unfortunately, there is no definitive diagnostic test to determine whether someone is a narcissist, and it is a spectrum disorder.
A narcissist will often refuse to compromise because they don't want you to "win," so it's unlikely that you'll be able to settle your case out of court. Expect a high-conflict case that will last a year or more.
If you catch a narcissist in a lie and confront them, you will definitely face at least one of the Four D's. They will either deny, deflect, devalue, and/or dismiss you.
Some judges may see through this behaviour, but others may not. A narcissist may try and manipulate the court process as they believe that rules and laws do not apply to them.
Set Clear Boundaries
One of a narcissist's favorite tactics is to steamroll others to get what they want, and often they may not let up until they achieve their goal. Setting and maintaining clear boundaries of what you will and will not do can help you in the event your spouse decides to take this route.
Tease, ridicule, and shame them mercilessly for not trying to figure out right from wrong, instead, pretending to have it all figured out. Stay calm, even friendly, to the person cowering inside their absolute narcissistic fake infallibility cloak. Stay light, even humorous. It's nothing personal.
Here's a list of common mistakes narcissists make during divorce. Hiding assets. Narcissists don't care what's fair. They go to great pains to hide marital assets, sometimes setting up secret accounts, “lending” money to friends, or stashing cash in safe-deposit boxes.
If the narcissist goes to jail this is a significant blow to their ego and a form of narcissistic injury. When the narcissist is jailed, it is harder for them to convince themselves, and others, of their superiority and entitlement.
The courts recognize emotional distress as a type of damage that can be recovered through a civil lawsuit. This means you can sue someone for emotional trauma or distress if you can provide evidence to support your claims.
They have an uncanny talent to manipulate situations and people and to twist the obvious facts to fit their lies. You know in your own relationship how they managed to convince you that they were worth falling in love with. This is their own personal superpower – manipulating others.