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Pearland Legal Blog

Family Law & Estate Planning Attorney

When facing a family law, estate law or other legal matter, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your interests. At The Powell Law Firm, we have more than 20 years of experience protecting people in Pearland, Houston and the surrounding area in Texas.

My Partner is a Narcissist and I Want a Divorce

Divorcing is never easy, especially when a narcissist is involved. Here is how to prepare.

Going through a divorce is one of the most emotional events a person can experience. There are so many elements involved, from asset division to alimony to child support to child custody. Dealing with these issues is complex enough. Making matters worse is when your spouse has a personality disorder.

Narcissists are especially complicated to deal with because everything is about them. They demand positive attention from others. They have no empathy for others and do not tolerate the opinions of others. Their egos are extremely fragile, making them toxic people to be around. Most narcissists are men, since they tend to be more aggressive and feel more comfortable flaunting their entitled behavior.

So, if you married a narcissist, it is no wonder that you want a divorce. Such a marriage would be hard to tolerate. But getting out is not so easy.

Narcissists will do whatever they can to delay the finalization of the divorce. They may engage in obstruction by wasting time or running up bills. They may refuse to settle and even ruin your reputation.

If you are divorcing a narcissist, you are in for the battle of your life. Here are some ways in which you can prepare.

Find the Right Lawyer

The divorce lawyer you choose needs to know how to handle narcissists. The right attorney knows how to set boundaries and develop effective strategies.

Find a Mental Health Professional

Divorces are emotionally draining; those involving narcissists are especially so. Having a therapist on your side can help you deal with your spouse and reassure you that it is not all in your head.

Keep a Cool Head

When your spouse angers you, do not engage them. This will only fuel more retaliation. Any communication you have with them will be edited to make them the good guy. Instead, ignore them. Better yet, let your lawyer do the talking.

Get Evidence

With narcissists, arguments become “he said/she said” situations. Back up your claims with evidence, such as receipts, telephone records, message exchanges, credit card bills, and anything else you need to prove your case.

Pick Your Battles

Narcissists will argue over everything because they love to win. So let them win some battles. Figure out what is important to you and fight those battles. If you try to fight them all, you will end up exhausted.

Take Care of Yourself

Speaking of exhaustion, do not let yourself get that way. Your body and mind need to be in good shape, so make sure to take care of yourself. Do not get so caught up in your spouse’s drama. Make time for yourself. Eat right and exercise. Get plenty of sleep

Contact a Pearland Divorce Lawyer

Narcissists will do what it takes to complicate the divorce process. They need their egos to be boosted, so they want to be proven right. Getting around this takes a lot of preparation.

The Powell Law Firm has the experience to get you through even the most complicated divorces. We will help you understand your options so you can get the best outcome possible. Fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Request a Consultation

To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call 832-850-6095 or complete this contact form. We’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.

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What Our Clients
Have To Say

  • “I wanted to take the time to thank you [John Powell III] for helping me through a tough time in my life. Your guidance and voice of reason really helped me more than you will ever know. I had a previous attorney that I felt could have really cared less about me or the situation. Once on board with you, I felt an immediate difference and I was thankful for your quick response. I could not have finished this process without you and I am glad you were able to have so much hands on time with me. Again, thank you for everything you did for me and my son!”

    (S.R.)

  • “John Powell III was very helpful through the entire process of my divorce which involved a custody fight over my 3-year-old daughter. Mr. Powell has a strong working rapport with the Brazoria County family court. He was very patient, walking me through every step, knowing what to expect from my wife's attorney. We were ultimately successful and I would highly recommend him. As for my daughter, she is doing great. She has advanced to the preschool 2 class early, she is now 3.5 and now goes to school with the 4-5 year old's. Her emotional and behavioral issues have disappeared. Thanks to Mr. Powell's hard work my daughter will have a great chance at life.”

    (K.K.)

  • “Just wanted to say thanks for handling my post-divorce property division issue in a timely and professional manner. Especially your attention to detail and some quick-witted humor as well. Your firm was referred to us by a friend which can always be somewhat awkward but you made us feel at ease through the entire process. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone if the need arises.”

    (J.B.)

  • “Dear Mr. Powell: I want to thank you for your great service and express my gratitude. I am extremely pleased how everything was handled and I have the highest possible opinion about your professionalism, the quality of your service and your attitude toward me as a client. Thank you again, best regards.”

    (M.K.S.)

  • “I had what I learned was not your stereotypical divorce case. John Powell III was extremely understanding of the situation and worked with myself and my former spouse to navigate the legal pitfalls in our, and our children's case. Everything was resolved amicably and with minimal impact to our family. Without Mr. Powell's assistance I do not know that we would have gotten to such a positive place.”

    (A.W.)

  • “John Powell III is a compassionate and thorough attorney. My case was a complex custody issue that required work in two wide-spread counties. Mr. Powell was able to efficiently overcome this added challenge. He is patient and clear in explaining concepts of the law. Even after the case was closed, Mr. Powell was available to explain the final judgment and to help ensure we were following the Judge's intent. It is very comforting to know that if additional issues arise he is there to act as my advocate.”

    (R.T.)