When is the Best Time to Divorce a Narcissist?
You’ve determined that divorcing your narcissistic spouse is your best option - but many folks get stuck when trying to determine the “right” timeline.
The best time is always yesterday but, we won’t get stuck on that.
In this era when information is widely available, many survivors find themselves feeling frozen when it comes time to make decisions, simply because they’re so afraid of missing a step, or doing it wrong.
Determining the right time to initiate the divorce process is one such decision that many survivors feel overwhelming stress over.
The Best Time to Divorce a Narcissist: When Your Safety Plan is Established
Ultimately, the best time to divorce a narcissist is when you’ve established a simple but effective safety plan. Your safety plan should include:
A safe and secure physical space where you can be when your spouse is served the divorce papers. Prior to paper service, it isn’t wise to mention divorce to your spouse.
Your important papers, like birth certificates and tax documents, safely kept in a secure location, like a safe deposit box.
Three or more safe people who know your plan, know your location, and understand that your spouse is a high conflict/narcissistic individual.
While it’s certainly an excellent idea to have cash, clothing, documentation, and other items and processes in place prior to the initiation of divorce, these items and processes are not necessary.
Don’t Get Hung Up On “Perfect Divorce Preparation”
Narcissistic abuse can condition victims to feel that unless they’re doing it “perfectly”, they shouldn’t do it at all.
In a divorce scenario, this can translate to a victim feeling stuck in a potentially dangerous situation for much longer than necessary.
A Certified High Conflict Divorce Coach can help you proactively map out your strategic plan to divorce your narcissistic spouse. Find your coach here.
