Recovering from a relationship with a narcissist takes a long time. A narcissistic spouse can cause a lot of emotional damage. If you file for a divorce, be ready to protect your well-being and your financial interests. Chances are that your spouse won’t make things easy. There are resources available in Anchorage and throughout Alaska to help people who are learning to move on in life after marriage to a narcissist.
As you probably already know, narcissists are completely self-absorbed, unempathetic people. The average narcissist doesn’t care how others feel. This type of person desires control and will go to great lengths to get it, often wreaking emotional and mental havoc for others along the way. This post contains information that may be helpful to you as you prepare for divorce proceedings from a narcissist.
Don’t tell the narcissist that you’re filing for a divorce
It is best to conceal your plans when considering filing a divorce petition from a narcissistic spouse. If your spouse finds out too soon, he or she may try to thwart your plans. In any event, he or she may try to cause you as much mental health and emotional pain as possible, perhaps gaslighting or trying to manipulate you into staying. Your spouse will know of your plans when served papers; keeping them secret up to that point gives you time to prepare for proceedings and for your new lifestyle.
Turn to trusted family and friends for support
Narcissists thrive on keeping their victims isolated from a support network. As you (and your children, if you have any) move on in life, you’ll need a lot of encouragement and support. Before proceedings even begin, start connecting or re-connecting to close family members and friends, so you will have a bridge of support in place as you move forward.
Gather all financial documentation ahead of time
The more organized and thorough you are with financial documents and information relevant to property division proceedings, the better of a position you’ll be in to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Sadly, many spouses of narcissists do not have access to their own financial information because the narcissist controls it all. If that’s true in your case, you’ll want to make sure you gain access to necessary files and accounts before you go to court.
Do not hesitate to seek counseling
Recovering from narcissistic abuse is difficult. If you’ve made the decision to file for a divorce, you might also want to take advantage of counseling services in your Alaska community. Processing your emotions and strengthening your mental health are valuable tools in recovery. In addition to psychiatric care, you may also seek experienced legal counseling, which can help you protect your assets and your children’s best interests as you lay the groundwork for life after marriage to a narcissist.
