Previously, we have written about the narcissistic spouse in a relationship and the problems they may create for the other spouse. In the context of this article, let us revisit the definition of a narcissist. A narcissist is someone who loves himself (or herself) more than anyone or anything else in the world. These types of people continue to live in a world of fantasy, a world that revolves around them. Yet, when you get involved in a divorce with such a spouse, there are likely to be complications in the case.
This article is focused on helping the high earning spouse deal with a narcissistic low-earning spouse and how they are likely to drive up the costs of the litigation and create hurdles in the process.
Using the Children as Leverage
Orange County divorce cases can become territorial and contentious when children are involved. One of the worst maneuvers that narcissistic low earning spouses can make is to try and use the children as leverage. There is a variety of reasons why these parents retort to such means. The use of the children is simply to hurt the other spouse. This tactic can be completed through a number of steps such as interfering with the other spouses, custodial rights, not allowing adequate visitation times, and even retorting to false accusations.
In case where high earning spouses face such tactics, it is strongly advised that they use contempt of court proceedings to enforce their rights. Contempt of court proceedings will also make sure that the narcissist parent will have to face court penalties for their erratic behavior.
Conditioning of the Children, Alienation and False Allegations
Narcissist parents try to exert undue influence on the minds of the child to try and keep them from their higher earning spouses. This tactic, if found, is likely to result in severe punishments by the courts. One of the first things a spouse who is facing such a narcissist parent at the other end should do is request for custody and visitation modification. The courts are unlikely to allow a parent who is involved in such misconduct to keep the custody of the child under the rules of deciding on the child’s best interest.
The Attorney Fee and Sanctions Motion
Perplexed by the fact that your spouse who is a low earner cannot afford these orders? It is important for you to understand, however, that the Orange County family law court does not limit the attorney fee awards. The only thing the courts are likely to look at in this regards is whether the parent being fined has community property or some kind of equity or not. If that is the case, the court will assume that the party in violation is able to pay such costs and will likely order it against the party that has been proven to cause unnecessary delays.
Gerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.
