Miami Narcissist Divorce Lawyers

Miami Divorce Lawyers Here to Help You Through a Divorce With a Narcissist

Marriage has its ups and downs. It is never perfect. Even those who seem "meant to be" can have disagreements sometimes – that is normal.

What is not normal is if the problems persist or even become worse. But you should not blame yourself, especially when dealing with a narcissist.

Narcissists are good at hiding their true character at the start. In many cases, it can take years of abuse and gaslighting before you realize that you are married to a narcissist. But despite that, it is not too late. A divorce lawyer can help free you from the fight.

Our divorce attorneys at Miami Family Law Group, PLLC are ready to help. Request a consultation today.

Our Experienced Miami Divorce Lawyer Can Help With Divorcing a Narcissist

The divorce process can be a painful and challenging experience for anyone. However, the stakes are higher when you are divorcing a narcissistic spouse.

If your partner is displaying signs of narcissistic personality disorder, it is likely you will have endured gaslighting and abuse throughout the course of your marriage. You may feel frightened and threatened at the prospect of your divorce.

Of course, in this type of high-conflict divorce, stress levels can skyrocket, and it can be hard to remain logical. So, it is important to be prepared and enlist the support of one of our family lawyers who can help you during this traumatic period of your life.

Why Choose Miami Family Law Group, PLLC?

A narcissistic spouse may purposely attempt to hurt you emotionally, or they may even prolong divorce proceedings. They will do whatever it takes to win, including attempting to claim your personal property or manipulatively trying to ensure any children involved are on their side. Narcissists lack empathy, so it is important that you have legal representation to ensure that your children, your property, and your mental health are protected.

It may seem from the outside that someone with a narcissistic personality is very confident. However, narcissism is rooted in a lack of self-confidence. This explains why narcissists are in need of constant affirmation and do not respond well to criticism. Divorcing a narcissist partner can be dangerous, because their ego is compromised, leaving them unpredictable and potentially violent.

You deserve to move on with your life. Here at Miami Family Law Group, PLLC, we have experience dealing with divorce cases just like yours. our divorce lawyers are ready to support you. Call an experienced divorce attorney today at 305-520-7874 to schedule an initial meeting.

What Is a Narcissist?

Narcissistic personality disorder essentially derives from a need to be superior. Whether this is conscious or subconscious, a narcissist will often struggle to recognize their own feelings and the feelings of others around them.

While each individual will be different, there are common traits that you can look out for.

Identifying a Narcissist

Identifying a narcissist can be very challenging and confusing. Initially, they may present themselves as kind, caring, and charming. You may not be aware of your partner's true nature until it is too late.

Narcissistic individuals are characterized as extremely controlling and manipulative. However, you may also notice personality traits such as self-importance, a tendency to be self-centered, a lack of empathy, a strong sense of entitlement, consistently patronizing or criticizing others, and delusions of grandeur.

During your divorce, it will be important for your narcissistic spouse to get one up on you. Therefore, they are likely to use various underhand tactics to ensure your destruction. These may include:

• Gaslighting you, making you believe that what you are seeing and feeling is not true or valid
• Physically threatening you
• Tarnishing your reputation to the people closest to you
• Lying to your children in an attempt to harm your relationship with them
• Adopting the role of a victim when aggression and threats are no longer working
• Making false accusations against you, when in fact they are doing what they are accusing you of—false accusations are usually projections when it comes to narcissism
• Using the legal process to financially damage you

When dealing with a narcissistic spouse, watch out for phrases such as:

• "How can you do this to your children?"
• "How can you do this to me?"
• "You are going to pay for this."
• "You deserve what's coming to you."
• "My lawyer is going to destroy you."

It is important to remember that you are not to blame. Keep your mind on the end goal of your divorce, and make sure you let your divorce lawyer know about any threats or emotional abuse that you have been subjected to. Here at Miami Family Law Group, PLLC, we understand what you are going through, and we can provide you with the legal advice you need to move forward, without engaging with the unpredictable behavior of your spouse.

How to Divorce a Narcissist in Miami

The divorce process is difficult when your spouse has a narcissistic personality disorder. In some cases, it can even be dangerous. Even mentioning the issue of divorce may trigger a vicious argument. It may seem there is no easy way out, especially when they contest every divorce petition that you attempt to submit.

In order to prepare for a high-conflict divorce, it is important that you take professional legal advice and follow these initial steps:

1. Ensure that you have a solid support system. You may want to pre-warn your friends and family of the grueling battle that is about to commence and ensure that they are aware of the underhand tactics your ex-spouse may use throughout the process.
2. Arrange all documentation relating to marital assets. You need to be prepared, as your spouse is likely to claim that all property belongs to them.
3. Predetermine clear boundaries for communication. Decide when and how you will communicate with your spouse about the divorce. You may choose to do this through your attorney only.
4. Take steps to protect your children from your spouse. Whilst it may not be nice to think about, it may serve you well to expect that your spouse will try to manipulate your children throughout the divorce.

How to Protect Yourself From Threats During a Narcissist Divorce

In narcissist divorce cases, it is likely that your ex-spouse will go to extreme measures to win, especially if they feel like they are "losing out" in some way. This may look like claiming full ownership of marital property or trying to assume full custody of your children. At worst, they could resort to threats, violence or even stalking.

Some spouses may ignore the legal process together and refuse to pay child support or spousal support, or they may reject court orders and refuse to turn over property that rightfully belongs to you.

Will They Threaten Me?

Divorce will be viewed as a rejection in the eyes of a narcissistic spouse, especially if you are the one to serve the divorce papers.

In order to protect their ego, your narcissistic partner may respond with aggression and sometimes even violence. It is always likely that they will use threatening language in order to intimidate you.

Some common threats may sound like:

• "I am going to bankrupt you."
• "I am going to get full custody of the children."
• "You and the kids will have nothing if you do this."
• "You are going to regret divorcing me."
• "I will make sure you pay me spousal support."

When a narcissist feels like they are losing, they will do everything they can to convince you that you are not going to win and that your life will be much worse off without them.

It is important to remember that if you are experiencing any form of spousal abuse, or if your spouse is threatening to harm you, you should speak with one of our divorce lawyers immediately. We will be able to advise you, support you in keeping yourself and your family safe, and look into filing a restraining order if necessary.

Any threats made should be communicated with your divorce attorney, as this may become vital evidence throughout divorce proceedings.

Narcissist Personality Disorder and Divorce

Narcissists are self-serving, and unfortunately, a divorce can trigger some specific traits. These may include a need to be "right", a need to be viewed as a "good" person by others, being highly critical and resentful, and having no interest in resolving conflict.

If you have been married to a narcissist, you are likely to have experienced these traits already, but it is important to be prepared for things to be amplified during the divorce process. Your divorce lawyer will prove invaluable here, as they can support you in mediation and stand up for you during moments of high conflict.

Children in a Narcissist Divorce

Divorcing a narcissist is challenging, especially if you and your divorcing spouse are disagreeing about what should happen to your children.

Of course, as a parent, it is understandable that you may want to keep full custody of your children. However, it is important to keep in mind that both parents have rights to their children, even in a high-conflict divorce.

If you find yourself in a situation where you and your spouse are fighting for custody, it is important that you keep a level head. Focus instead on your strengths as a parent, which will help ensure that the judge notices that you are a stable parent.

Custody Battles With Narcissists

A custody battle is never nice. Not only is it not good for the children, but it can put a heavy emotional strain on the parent, especially when you are battling with a narcissist.

During moments of high stress and friction, parents often forget that their words and actions can negatively impact, and even traumatize, any children involved. Therefore, it is essential to remember that the well-being and safety of your children are of the utmost importance throughout the divorce process.

Keep in mind that the self-centered nature of your narcissistic partner means they are going to do whatever it takes to win, in spite of your children. Your divorce lawyer will prove invaluable here, as they can help you to remain calm so that you can focus on protecting your children.

Child Custody Orders

There are many factors that are considered before a court grants custody or visitation rights. These include the age of the children, parental post-divorce plans, each parent's ability to provide for their children, and the least disruptive outcome for the children. In some cases, the court may also consider the preferences of the children themselves.

Refusal to Comply With a Child Custody Order

As with all advice for dealing with a narcissist, if you suspect your partner is going to reject or ignore court orders, it would be a good idea to prepare. Ignoring court orders has serious consequences. Ensure that you are gathering as much evidence as you can so that you and your attorney can start to build an impenetrable legal case against your spouse.

Call Miami Family Law Group, PLLC for more information tailored to your specific case.

Property Division When Divorcing a Narcissist

When divorcing a narcissist, It may be prudent to expect that your spouse will attempt to claim all marital property belongs to them and them alone. This is one way narcissists feel they can regain a sense of pride after their ego has been damaged by the divorce.

During divorce cases in the state of Florida, marital property is distributed equitably. In other words, the courts will aim to divide assets fairly, taking into account the contributions of both spouses throughout the marriage. To ensure that this is done in a way that best suits you, it is advisable to have the help and support of a Miami divorce lawyer on your side.

Marital Property Vs. Non-Marital Property

An equitable distribution of property does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split. The court will initially expect both parties to disclose any assets, which will include finances, property, debt, and income. At this point, assets will be divided into marital and non-marital property.

Non-marital property includes any assets that were acquired before the commencement of the marriage. Marital property is shared assets acquired during the marriage itself. There are some exceptions to this, including inheritances and gifts.

Usually, marital assets are equitably divided upon the end of the marriage. However, the court may listen to appeals. Factors that may affect the court's decision include:

• The individual spouses' contributions to the marriage, including include time sacrifices made to look after the children
• The income of each spouse
• The length of the marriage
• Evidence of hidden assets
• Child custody arrangements

Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets?

If you suspect that your spouse is trying to sway the judge's decision by hiding assets, it is important to make your divorce attorney aware immediately. When dividing property in a divorce, the spouse have a fiduciary duty to one another. What this means is that each party may not sell or tamper with any shared marital property until a decision has been made about how assets will be divided. This duty is designed to make sure that divorcing couples inform the court of their true and representative financial positions so that future decisions can be made fairly and ethically.

However, when you are dealing with a narcissist, you may have less confidence that your spouse is going to act in a fair and moral way. There are serious legal consequences for individuals who are found to be in contempt of court for hiding assets. Some of the ways spouses may try to hide assets include:

• Outright failure to report an asset
• Purchasing high-value goods that will be sold after the divorce has been finalized
• Sending money to friends who will later pay the money back
• Sending income to an offshore account
• Under-reporting income or business profits

Narcissist Divorce FAQs

Contact a Miami Narcissist Divorce Attorney Today

At Miami Family Law Group, PLLC, we understand the torment you are experiencing. We understand that you need a compassionate professional to support you with the delicacies of your case. Your family law and divorce lawyer will empower you with the legal knowledge you need to keep yourself and your family safe.

When you contact Miami Family Law Group, PLLC, not only will you be ensuring that your legal rights are protected, but you will be ensuring that you have someone to stand up for you while you stand up to your narcissistic ex. Contact an experienced divorce attorney today at 305-520-7874 to schedule an initial meeting.