Ending a marriage is a challenging time if there are children involved. Not only do you have to think about how to handle things like property division, you also have to consider child custody matters. This is hard enough even if you and your ex can work together to make decisions. It becomes an even more complex undertaking if you’re dealing with a narcissist.
When you’re dealing with a narcissist, you’re trying to work with someone who is self-serving. They may not be able to see how different options will affect the children. Instead, they automatically think about what it means for them.
Use caution when communicating
A narcissist gains power from the reactions of others. When they know that they upset you or angered you, they’ll likely feel better. They want to control others. Because of this, it’s imperative that you don’t let them know if they do cause you to have an emotional reaction. It might be best to avoid direct communication. Written communication, such as texts, emails, or monitored messaging apps might be a better option for your future.
Keep proof of everything
Another trait of narcissists is that they live in a world of lies. You should keep documentation of everything possible. This includes things like receipts for things related to the children. You never know what you’ll need to show so it’s best to keep anything you think might be important later. You also need a solid parenting plan to govern child custody matters.
When you’re co-parenting with a narcissist, it’s not easy. Don’t be afraid to rely on experienced legal guidance if the situation becomes problematic.
