Most parents want to have a successful co-parenting relationship with their ex-spouse after divorce. Working together as a unit can benefit the children and make adjusting to divorce easier for everyone. However, when your former spouse is a narcissist, child custody issues can become more difficult than ever to navigate in Louisiana.
If you’re facing these challenges, consider these tips that can help you deal with a narcissist and make the agreements that are best for your child.
Work With an Experienced Attorney
Not every Shreveport divorce attorney has experience dealing with narcissists. It’s essential to find a representative with the skill set you need to resolve custody issues with the least stress. Before hiring an attorney, ask whether they understand narcissistic personality disorder and their best practices for handling spouses who display it.
For a legal consultation call 318-323-2213
Expect Delays
You likely already know the kinds of tactics your ex-spouse uses to try to control a situation. Delaying divorce and custody procedures may be part of their plan.
Though it may be frustrating, try to accept that delays will happen in advance, and do your best to take it in stride. If your narcissistic partner sees that their behavior is bothering you, it might encourage them to continue it.
Communicate Clearly
When possible, avoid emotional exchanges with your ex-spouse. Keep communication clear, straightforward, and without emotional content. If needed, restrict your exchanges to emails, texts, or other forms of communication that can be easily documented.
If things have become too tense to communicate successfully, your attorney can handle any exchanges regarding child custody matters.
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Set Boundaries
When dealing with a narcissistic ex-spouse, establishing firm and clear-cut boundaries with a parenting plan is vital. Additionally, you don’t want to provide a narcissist with any opportunity to overstep boundaries.
If those boundaries are violated, deal with the matter calmly. If necessary, allow your attorney to communicate on your behalf.
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Document All Interactions
Working with a narcissist on complex matters requires excellent organizational skills. Your divorce attorney may request you document all conversations, interactions, and issues related to your custody arrangement. Keeping a detailed record can help you prove any lies or contradictions that come up later and prevent yourself from being manipulated.
Prioritize Your Child’s Needs
It’s easy to get drawn into harmful behavior patterns with a narcissist. Always prioritizing your child’s best interests can help you avoid falling into these emotional traps and being reactive.
As an emotionally healthy parent, you may be your child’s best chance for creating a stable environment. If you’re unsure how to support your child during this time, consider seeking professional support.
Find Support
You may see the term “narcissist” used often to describe a selfish person, but narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an actual mental health condition. Up to 6% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with NPD.
People who live with or are divorcing a narcissist sometimes need professional mental health support to cope with the challenges of the disorder. Find a support group or speak with a therapist to learn more about protecting your own mental wellness when dealing with a person who has NPD.
Reach Out to Our Law Office for Further Assistance
Narcissism is a real mental health disorder that can have a negative impact on the narcissist, their spouse, and their children. Parenting can be challenging in any scenario, but parenting with a narcissist can feel impossible at times.
If you’re in a custody battle with a narcissistic ex, contact the Shreveport child custody attorney at Knight Law Firm for help today. We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case and get you the help you need.
Contact the Louisiana Family Law Attorney at Knight Law Firm for Help Today
Contact our family lawyers at Knight Law Firm for a consultation. We proudly serve Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston, and the surrounding areas of North Louisiana.
Knight Law Firm – Shreveport Office
401 Market Street Suite 1006
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 569-8469
Knight Law Firm – Ruston Office
111 Kilgore Rd
Ruston, LA 71270
(318) 722-8919
Knight Law Firm – Monroe Office
1896 Hudson Cir N #1
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 323-2213
Call or text 318-323-2213 or complete a Case Evaluation form
