What Not to Do When Divorcing a Narcissist in Texas

 Posted on November 29, 2023 in Divorcing a Narcissist

Any divorce can be a mentally and emotionally draining process. However, when your spouse is a narcissist, your journey could be filled with manipulation and power struggles. When locked in the divorce process with them, you will want to avoid certain common pitfalls. A skilled Fort Worth, Texas divorce lawyer can be an invaluable asset to have on your side during this process.

At The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C., we have years of experience handling divorces involving narcissistic spouses. We know the tactics these people fall back on, and we can help you plan ahead to minimize risk. Attorney J. Kevin Clark has handled numerous divorce trials, so you can rely on our firm to advocate for you when it matters most.

Seven Mistakes When Divorcing a Narcissist in Texas in 2026

According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 5 percent of people in the United States may be living with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). While not all people with NPD make divorce complicated, and people without NPD can exhibit narcissistic traits, there are some mistakes you don’t want to make in your 2026 divorce. 

Underestimate the Tactics of a Narcissist

You may think that a narcissist will not be able to sway the courts or a judge to their side. However, these individuals are very cunning. They will use all types of tactics to manipulate people or project a charming facade. 

If you are heading towards a divorce with this person, be prepared for extreme attempts to control the narrative. Narcissistic spouses are not above using emotional blackmail or spreading false information to achieve their objectives.

Not Having Your Documentation Ready

Unfortunately, narcissists thrive on ambiguity. If you do not have documentation of their behavior and actions, it could be a problem for your case. You need to keep a detailed record of all communications, financial transactions, and incidents of emotional or physical abuse. 

This documentation can be invaluable when building your case in court. Plus, it can help counter any false claims made by your spouse, such as allegations of abuse in a fault-based divorce (Texas Family Code Sec. 6.002).

React to Their Provocations

A narcissist wants to get an emotional response from you. Sometimes, they will deliberately provoke you, trying to get you to make a mistake with your case. You need to stay calm during this time. 

Keep in mind that narcissists often defy logic and act irrationally. You should never expect them to act fairly. Instead, you want to focus on protecting your interests and working with a family law attorney who can navigate the legal system for you.

Fail to Set Boundaries

Narcissists are known for invading personal space. If you are going through a divorce, you need to set and enforce boundaries. For example, you will probably need to limit any direct communication. Let your lawyer talk to your spouse’s lawyer for you. 

Maintaining low contact outside of the legal proceedings is often in your best interests, not only for your mental health, but to avoid giving your spouse ammunition. By doing this, you can protect yourself from emotional manipulation.

Not Taking Care of Financial Planning

It is common for narcissists to hide or control financial assets. You may want to work with a financial or legal professional to investigate your financial situation. Make sure that you have copies of all financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, and property deeds.

If you suspect a narcissistic spouse is hiding or spending money unfairly in Texas, start by gathering clear records of income, bank statements, and bills. Our firm can help file temporary orders to freeze or limit access to joint accounts. If you suspect dissipation, the court can appoint a forensic accountant to trace where your spouse has spent money. Taking these steps helps to protect your property and ensure all assets are accounted for during divorce.

Isolate Yourself

Many times, narcissists try to isolate their partners. This often gets worse during the divorce process. If you are involved in a divorce with this type of individual, you need to surround yourself with a strong support system. A network of trustworthy friends and family can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and valuable perspectives.

Not Having a Good Attorney

In divorce cases with a narcissistic spouse, you need the help of a lawyer. A skilled family law attorney has experience working with a wide range of personalities. At The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C., we understand how a narcissist can try to control the narrative of the proceedings. With their help, you can build a strong foundation for your case.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Narcissist Divorce Lawyer

Divorcing a narcissist requires plenty of patience. The first step is making sure you have legal help from a skilled, experienced legal team. At The Law Office of J. Kevin Clark P.C., we understand how to work with these complex issues and personality types. Call 817-348-6723 to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Worth, TX family law attorneys.