Divorcing a Narcissist? The Cold, Hard Cash Facts
When it comes to divorcing a narcissist, radical acceptance is key. One aspect of radical acceptance is that your financial situation is likely to change. Let’s explore this truth.
How Will Your Finances Likely Be Impacted As You Divorce a Narcissist?
Most commonly, when you find yourself in a high conflict divorce with a narcissistic individual, you’ll experience some degree of financial abuse. This may include:
Extended or frequent (costly) legal battles;
Manipulation of family assets, resulting in unfair division of assets;
Manipulation of family debt, resulting in a similar division of debt where you are saddled with debt rather than assets;
Manipulation of income related to child support or alimony calculations;
Other manipulation related to child support or alimony.
Will Divorcing a Narcissist Ruin Me Financially?
In this line of advocacy work, we often hear of the narcissistic individual threatening the protective parent with phrases like, “Before this is over, you will be ruined. You’ll have nothing. I’ll make sure you’re bankrupt.”
It’s important to tap into your highest self. Here are some affirmation that can help:
They can take my resources, but not my resourcefulness.
My grit will carry me through.
Finances are a small price to pay when it comes to peace of mind.
Finances are temporary - integrity is permanent.
I am strong and I will continue to get stronger.
This too shall pass.
There is ALWAYS Hope - Especially Financially
While the truth is that most victims of narcissists do have to rebuild their financial lives to some degree or another, this is no reason to lose hope.
As time goes on, many victims find themselves with better credit, higher savings, and less debt - in the years following the resolution of their case. A common dynamic with narcissists is overspending and poor financial decision making. Many narcissists fail to pay taxes and engage in shady business practices. To be free from this is often a huge relief for survivors.
A Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach can help you find clarity and confidence as you navigate this process. Find your coach here.
