Narcissists and Custody Trials

Custody cases are emotionally charged and difficult in the best of circumstances. If one party is a narcissist, the emotional toll can be much greater. Facing a narcissistic former partner in court exacerbates the typical feelings of fear and uncertainty a parent feels when navigating a custody case.

Narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance, a history of unstable relationships, a lack of empathy, and an extreme need for attention. They have a need for control and generally make choices and act in a manner that only serves their own interests without regard for others. They can be manipulative and can take advantage of others to get what they want. They handle criticism poorly and can be impatient or angry if they do not receive special treatment or attention. They struggle to adapt to change, can react with rage or aggression when under stress, and will belittle others to make themselves feel superior.

At a custody trial, parties often worry that their narcissistic former partner will manipulate the judge or will present well enough to hide their problematic traits and behavior. It is important to focus on what you can control in court rather than focusing on how the other party will be perceived by the court or whether they will charm the judge into believing their narrative while being mindful of the reality of a narcissist’s personality and traits to maximize the chance of success.

If you are dealing with a narcissist in your custody case, we can be of help; we have experience handling custody cases against narcissists. Call Fastman Family Law, LLC at 610-222-5930.