Facing a high-conflict divorce can leave you feeling terrified. You know what your narcissistic partner is capable of, and how their accusations and manipulation can affect your future. To regain a sense of safety and control, partner with a Vancouver divorce lawyer or committed intimate relationship lawyer from Dellino Family Law.
Best Lawyers has named our team among the “Best Law Firms,” and you’ll understand why when you connect with a high conflict/narcissist family lawyer in Vancouver. We see each client as a person, not just a “case.” Our goal is to deliver the most favorable legal outcome possible, while providing support and empathy throughout the process.
Challenges Presented by a High-Conflict Divorce
Washington State follows a no-fault divorce system. The petitioning spouse doesn’t have to prove the other spouse did anything wrong to file for divorce. It is enough to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. In some divorces, the no-fault system helps avoid conflict, since spouses don’t have to provide details of or defend against misconduct.
Still, the no-fault system isn’t an automatic safeguard against conflict, especially when divorces involve a narcissistic spouse. Your soon-to-be-ex may incite disputes at every turn, making it extremely difficult to resolve important matters and finalize your divorce.
You may be tempted to agree to unfair terms just to end the conflict. That initial relief can lead to long-term distress. An experienced Vancouver family lawyer can support you through the conflict, protect you from making decisions that could cause long-term pain, and work to secure fair divorce terms.
A High Conflict/Narcissist Family Attorney in Vancouver Can Guide You and Fight for You
A spouse with narcissistic personality disorder symptoms can act impulsively, show volatility and a constant need for attention, and demonstrate a lack of empathy, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Narcissists are typically self-important and have a sense of entitlement. It’s easy to see how these characteristics can negatively affect divorce proceedings.
Your narcissistic ex will likely feel they deserve “more,” whether you are dividing property, determining custody matters, or addressing the issue of spousal maintenance. Their chief concern will be getting what they want, regardless of how their wants affect the rest of the family. Narcissists don’t listen to reason. Their only perspective is how a given outcome affects them and them alone.
Dellino Family Law knows how to deal with a high-conflict divorce. We can help you disengage from your spouse’s attacks. Fighting back can escalate and prolong a conflict. We can help you make measured, rather than emotionally charged, decisions. A Vancouver high conflict/narcissist family lawyer will stand with you, so you can get through this difficult season and move forward.
Ways to Protect Yourself During a High Conflict Divorce
There are practical ways to protect yourself when going through a high-conflict divorce or when divorcing a narcissistic partner. Our team can discuss these strategies with you and help you practice them throughout proceedings:
- Keep Records: Save all emails, texts, voicemails, and other communications from your spouse. Screenshot social media posts. Inform your attorney of any communication that includes threats, accusations, or violates court orders.
- Avoid Retaliating: Narcissists twist details or simply make up scenarios to make themselves look good or like the victim, and make you look bad or like the aggressor. Talk to your attorney, and if you must respond, keep your words factual and devoid of emotion.
- Prioritize Battles: Focus on the battles that matter most rather than on winning every single conflict. An attorney can help you focus your time and energy on the issues that matter most.
- Attend to Your Mental Health: Divorce can be emotionally and psychologically traumatizing. We are here to support you, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family, social circle, and professional counselors.
Dealing with a high-conflict divorce is hard, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. Our team is here for you. We are committed to providing you with loyal advocacy and exceptional representation.
Dealing With Custody Matters in a High-Conflict Divorce
Child custody is often the most important issue for divorcing parents. A narcissistic parent can make coming to an agreement even more difficult. A narcissist may use the children as a bargaining chip, saying they will fight to deny you custody unless you agree to their terms about other issues. They could make false allegations of abuse to keep the children from you and get “revenge” for an imagined slight.
Getting protection from our knowledgeable, powerful attorneys is critical. We can advise you on what to say and what not to say in child custody mediation, so your spouse can’t turn your own words against you. We also know the laws Washington has in place to protect child custody proceedings from the actions of dangerous spouses.
How Washington Law Protects You and Your Kids from “Abusive Use of Conflict”
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.09.191 can restrict a parent’s physical and legal custodial rights if they demonstrate an “abusive use of conflict” and put the child’s well-being in danger. According to the statute, “‘Abusive use of conflict’ refers to a party engaging in ongoing and deliberate actions to misuse conflict.” Examples include:
- Repeated violations of relevant court orders
- Credible threats of harm to the other parent or friends, relatives, or professionals involved
- Intentionally using the child in the conflict
- Abusive litigation
A narcissistic spouse will try to control your divorce proceedings, so the terms of the agreement serve their needs, wants, and ego. Our team is not intimidated by these personalities, and we know how to deny them that control. You can rely on us to stand with you throughout the divorce process as we fight for a fair agreement that best serves you and your children.
Get the Protection and Support You Need
Narcissists are manipulators. If you don’t have legal representation, they are formidable adversaries in a divorce. Don’t let them determine how your marriage ends. Instead, partner with a Vancouver high conflict/narcissist family lawyer from Dellino Family Law.
We know the law and how to neutralize narcissistic strategies. Our team can help you move toward a more peaceful, liberated future.
