Will a narcissist drag out a divorce?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 07, 2026
Narcissists Use the Same Tactics
One common tactic for the narcissist is dragging out the divorce. We will help you learn why and how best to respond. Another common tactic for the narcissist is doing everything possible to turn people against the other spouse. The best defense preparation is knowing this will happen.How do narcissists strategically divorce?
Divorcing a Narcissist
- Don't Even THINK That Your Divorce Will Be Amicable. ...
- Get a Strong, but Reasonable, Divorce Lawyer. ...
- Get a Therapist. ...
- Assemble Your Support Team BEFORE You Divorce. ...
- Get EVERYTHING in Writing! ...
- Stay Out of Court as Much as You Can. ...
- Find Ways Your Narcissistic Spouse Can “Win” ...
- Pick Your Battles Wisely.
Will a narcissist delay a divorce?
If your ex is a narcissist, those issues may delay the divorce considerably. A person who is narcissistic isn't able to compromise. They can't accept anything other than what they want, so it's usually not possible to go through mediation.What will a narcissist do when you divorce them?
Because narcissists are unable to take responsibility for their own actions, they will blame you for the current state of the relationship and the divorce. In fact, their immediate reaction to the divorce may be to blame you and/or the children for their perceived shortcomings.Will a narcissist want a divorce?
The narcissist does not want you to move on with your life, even if they have. Your ability to start a new chapter is evidence that your world no longer revolves around them. It doesn't mater if you're divorced; the narcissist still demands loyalty and the fact that you've cut ties means you must be punished.Stages of Divorcing the Narcissist
How does a narcissist end a marriage?
MD. At the end of a relationship, a narcissist will often spiral down a long-winded gauntlet of manipulation tactics. They may blame you for causing the relationship to fail, work hard to keep you to stay with them, make lofty promises to change their behavior, or badmouth you to everyone around them.How does a narcissist stay married for so long?
1. The charm. The narcissist's initial charm is the reason why a narcissist married in the first place, and it's also likely to be the answer to how narcissists stay married. It might seem strange that somebody who displays such ugly characteristics can have the level of charm that a narcissist can display.Why narcissists drag out divorce?
They crave your dependence and loyalty above all else. Without you, they will feel the need to act in an aggressive or jealous manner. This can make a simple divorce case quickly turn into a drawn out affair. Protect yourself by working with an experienced divorce attorney that advocates for your best interests.How narcissists treat their exes?
Narcissists are well known for playing mind games because they help to reinforce their hold over their current or past victims. They'll resort to love bombing, self-esteem reduction, and emotional manipulation to keep their ex under the thumb.How do you make a narcissist miserable?
How to Make a Narcissist Miserable: 12 Things They Can't Stand
- Ignore them.
- Act indifferent toward them.
- Tell them how happy you are.
- Speak in facts, not emotions.
- Set boundaries and stick to them.
- Tell them no.
- Give them an ultimatum for commitment.
- Push them to answer to authority.
Do narcissist miss their ex?
Do narcissists miss their ex after No Contact? Now you might be thinking that the narcissist really misses you and the answer is yes, they do but not the way you hope. As we explained above, you were their source of narcissistic supply — a source of love, admiration, and praise.How do you know if a narcissist is finished with you?
How to Know if a Narcissist Is Finished with You
- They show no emotion.
- They criticize you constantly.
- They blame you for everything.
- They're always irritated or angry.
- They pick fights over trivial things.
- They take advantage of you.
- They withhold physical affection.
- They accuse you of cheating.