Divorcing a Narcissist

 Posted on January 14, 2026 in Divorcing a Narcissist

Divorce is already a painful process, but when you are divorcing a narcissist, the challenges increase. Maybe you’ve known for a long time that your spouse has narcissistic tendencies, or maybe you are beginning to suspect they do and are concerned about how it will affect your divorce. If you are facing this situation in 2026, a Fort Worth, Texas divorce attorney can help you understand what to expect and how to protect yourself through this difficult time.

What Makes Divorcing a Narcissist So Difficult?

The Mayo Clinic states that narcissistic personality disorder involves a consistent pattern of over-the-top behavior, a constant need for admiration, and lack of empathy for others. People with these traits believe they are entitled to special treatment. It is difficult to get a true narcissist to seek mental health treatment. If you have lived with a narcissist, you already know the emotional damage they can cause. During a divorce, these traits can turn the process into a long and exhausting battle.

Ways a Narcissist Can Complicate Divorce Proceedings:

Manipulation and False Victimhood

Narcissists are very good at manipulating stories to show themselves as victims. They may twist facts, misremember events, or make up scenarios to make you look like the problem. This is designed to win sympathy from other people, including judges, mediators, and even your own family members. During court proceedings, they may pose themselves as the victim and you as the enemy.

Unwillingness to Cooperate or Compromise

One of the biggest challenges in divorcing a narcissist is that they are often unwilling to cooperate. Settling divorce matters like property division, child custody, and support through negotiation requires both spouses to openly discuss options.

Narcissists believe they are always right and deserve more of everything in a divorce, including money, property, and custody time. Their belief that they are the victim, mixed with thinking they are better than everyone else, makes fair conversation nearly impossible. Their need to be in control often leads to them hiding financial information or refusing to talk things out.

Extending the Process 

When narcissists believe they are not getting everything they want, they react with over-the-top anger. They may file unnecessary court papers, refuse settlement offers just because, or create fights to stay in control. Narcissists often drag out the divorce process for as long as possible. This behavior can delay divorce proceedings and drive up costs by causing you to go to court over and over.

Financial Manipulation

Narcissists frequently use money to keep control. They may hide assets, refuse to share financial information, or try to manipulate the division of property. Some narcissists even spend marital money on inappropriate purchases (for example, fancy gifts for a new partner) or move money around to prevent their spouse from getting it.

Under the Texas Family Code, there are specific rules for what divorcing spouses can and cannot do. Narcissists may ignore these rules or use every possible trick to get around them.

What Should I Do to Prepare for Divorcing a Narcissist?

You need careful planning to deal with a narcissist during a divorce. Taking the right steps early can help you protect yourself and get a better outcome.

• Pick an attorney who understands high-conflict divorce.

• Document everything. Save emails, text messages, voicemails, and any other written communication. Write down every time your spouse breaks agreements, makes threats, or behaves inappropriately.

• Maintain firm boundaries. Keep communication related to the divorce only. Stick to written communication (i.e., email or text) to create a paper trail and prevent gaslighting. If children are involved, consider using a co-parenting app or email to communicate so everything is written down and time-stamped.

• Protect your finances. Write down all your marital assets (you and your spouse's property, income, and debts). Open separate bank accounts in your name only and get credit cards that are separate from your spouse. You may need to work with a forensic accountant if you suspect your spouse is hiding assets or income.

If you are divorcing a narcissist, you may be in court many times. When in court, stay focused on your goals. Try not to get involved with emotional fights your spouse starts. Lean on your attorney for guidance and support, and trust them to help you recognize when your spouse is trying to manipulate the situation. Use the records you have kept to present a strong, factual case. The more records you have of your spouse's bad behavior, the less ground they have to stand on.

Call a Fort Worth Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorcing a narcissist can be very challenging. With proper support and preparation, though, you can emerge stronger and free of their negative influence on your life. If you need help with your divorce, contact The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C. at 817-348-6723.

Our Texas divorce attorneys have a special focus on divorce from narcissistic spouses and have handled many high-conflict divorce cases. We are members of the Texas Bar Foundation and Tarrant County Bar Association. We also have first-hand experience understanding the stress of divorce, especially for stay-at-home parents. Call today for a free consultation.