How to Deal With a Narcissist

Experienced Family Law Attorney for Divorcing Narcissists in Columbia, Maryland

Dealing with a narcissist in a divorce or a child custody dispute can be exhausting. Some people are not willing to compromise on certain issues, or simply want to drag out the proceedings out of spite. If you feel as though you are at wits' end, consider seeking out a reputable Columbia, MD divorce lawyer for legal assistance.

At DM Family Law, we know the frustration that can come with divorcing a narcissist. During this troubling time, we will take proactive measures to help safeguard your interests. Our family law attorney has more than 20 years of legal experience and a history of successful results, so you can take comfort knowing that your case will be handled by a qualified lawyer.

Am I Married to a Narcissist?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a clinical condition that only mental health professionals are qualified to diagnose. However, you may notice certain narcissistic traits in your spouse, such as:

• An inflated sense of self-importance
• Lack of empathy for others
• Feelings of entitlement and expecting special treatment

Divorcing someone with a pattern of narcissism is often difficult, since the narcissistic spouse may be unwilling to work with you on any issues. This often leads to contested divorces, which are characterized by heavy conflict. If you are not careful, a contested divorce could cost you significant time and money from repeated court hearings where neither side gains any ground.

If you expect a troubled divorce, be sure to seek legal representation early on. At DM Family Law, we can meet with you to discuss your case and work out a careful strategy with your spouse's narcissistic tendencies in mind.

Property Division Issues With Narcissistic Spouses

For many divorcing couples, asset division can be a major hurdle to overcome. This may be even more difficult if your spouse refuses to cooperate with you. If you cannot reach an agreement about how to divide your marital property through informal negotiations or mediation, you may have to move forward with litigation. At DM Family Law, our divorce lawyer is more than ready to advocate for you in contested property division.

In divorce court, all of your marital property is subject to fair division according to the principle of equitable distribution. Receipts and financial statements can help to establish that an asset was acquired before the marriage and is likely separate property. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding or attempting to waste your marital assets, our attorney can help you file a dissipation claim so that you can get compensation for your losses.

Resolving Child Custody Disputes With a Narcissist

Trying to negotiate for custody rights with a narcissistic co-parent can feel like fighting an unwinnable battle. Although the courts often order divorcing parents to attend mediation, this approach only works if both parents are willing to engage with each other in good faith. When mediation fails, you will have to resolve the issue in court.

During your case, your co-parent might try to paint you as an unfit parent or falsely accuse you of domestic violence in order to gain sole custody. Our family law attorney can challenge these damaging allegations while standing up for your rights as a parent. We will help keep the conversation centered on the child's best interests as we make a case for a favorable custody arrangement.

Contact a Columbia, Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today

Do you need help handling a family law dispute with a narcissistic spouse? DM Family Law is here to support you. Attorney David Marquardt has helped numerous clients with contested, high-conflict cases. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 443-545-8100 or contact our Columbia, MD divorce attorney today.