Illinois Divorce Lawyer Blog
My practice has managed successfully cases dealing with NPD traits for many years. People with toxic narcissistic traits can cause a lot of harm and damage in a marriage and with children. In a divorce, people with toxic narcissistic traits can continue their self-centered toxicity, blaming, gaslighting, and other harmful behaviors. Narcissists can present significant challenges in a marriage, as well as a divorce, due to their characteristic traits which often include:
- Lack of Empathy: Narcissists typically have difficulty understanding or empathizing with their partner’s feelings and perspectives. This can lead to emotionally abusive behaviors.
- Self-Centeredness: Narcissists tend to prioritize their own needs, desires, and achievements above those of their partner and children. This self-centeredness can lead to a one-sided relationship dynamic where the narcissist’s needs are consistently prioritized over their spouse’s, sometimes to the point of abuse.
- Manipulation: Narcissists may engage in manipulative behaviors to maintain control and power in the divorce proceedings. This can involve tactics such as gaslighting, false allegations, or emotional blackmail.
- Sense of Entitlement: Narcissists often have an inflated sense of entitlement, expecting special treatment and admiration from their partner without reciprocating in kind.
- Difficulty with Criticism: Narcissists typically have fragile egos and are highly sensitive to criticism or perceived slights. As a result, they may react defensively or aggressively when confronted with feedback or disagreement from their partner or from a GAL in the case.
- Lack of Accountability: Narcissists may struggle to take responsibility for their actions or admit when they are wrong. Instead, they may deflect blame onto others or make excuses for their behavior, which can undermine trust and communication in the marriage.
Overall, these traits can make it challenging to maintain a healthy marriage with a narcissistic partner, as the relationship may be characterized by power struggles, emotional manipulation, and a lack of genuine connection. In a divorce proceeding, many times these same traits of selfishness, projection, blaming and gaslighting appear. Many narcissists in divorce refuse to compromise, and lack the ability to reach common ground or settlements. If you are potentially dealing with a spouse in divorce with these traits, I have decades of experiencing managing these cases, and I’d be happy to talk with you about the circumstances of your case.