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5 Tactics a Narcissist Might Use in a Texas Divorce
Narcissism is a personality disorder that affects up to five percent of the American population. Studies of online search trends have determined that Texas is home to the most narcissists in the country.
A narcissist is characterized as someone who:
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Has an inflated sense of self-entitlement
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Has difficulty feeling empathy
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Feels a sense of entitlement
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Demands attention
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Has a sense of superiority over others
Being married to a narcissist can be extremely challenging. Getting divorced from one can be even more so. Narcissists are manipulative and use a variety of tactics to get their way. Moreover, it is not always easy to spot a narcissist or the strategies they use. If you are considering divorcing a narcissist, consult with a Texas divorce attorney who has experience in handling narcissism.
Can I Keep My Kids From My Ex When Her Boyfriend Is Around?
One of the most difficult things about co-parenting after divorce is trying to adapt to changing circumstances. A parent might move away, a child might start acting out, or your co-parent might begin dating someone you have concerns about. None of these things are really under your control, but you might be able to take action in some cases.
Sometimes, when parents do not approve of something their ex-spouses are doing, they try to prevent their children from visiting the co-parent. It is important to note that it is illegal for a parent to withhold his or her child during the other parent’s possession time, which is when the parent is allowed to take physical custody of the child. Doing so can have serious legal consequences, so make sure to consult with your child custody attorney before taking action if you have concerns about the other parent.
3 Things Every Unmarried Father in Texas Should Know
Fathers in Texas have certain rights under the law called fathers’ rights. Fighting for those rights, however, can be an uphill battle. This is especially true for unmarried fathers. A single man who has a child, for example, does not automatically get to have physical custody of the child or decide how that child is raised. He cannot take the child on vacation or visit the child without the mother’s consent. He does not have a right to his child’s medical and academic records.
The best way for fathers in Texas to know and secure their rights is with the help of a qualified fathers’ rights attorney.
Here are three things every unmarried father in Texas should know.
How to Establish Paternity
In Texas, you are automatically assumed to be the father if a child is born within 300 days after your marriage with the child’s mother ends. Otherwise, to have any rights to your child, you need to first be recognized as the father by the state. This is called establishing paternity. There are a few ways to do this:
3 Reasons Divorce Can Be Harder for Stay-at-Home Parents in Texas
For most couples, divorce is a painful process. But the pain does not necessarily end when the judge issues the divorce decree. For some people, the hard part is just beginning. There is a whole new lifestyle to get used to, and not just because you are newly single.
If you plan on getting divorced, discuss your future with a qualified Texas divorce attorney. A lawyer who has many years of experience in divorce matters will be able to guide you through the transition and connect you with other relevant professionals.
This article will discuss three reasons divorce is harder for stay-at-home parents in Texas.
Finances
If you are a stay-at-home parent, you have likely been relying on your spouse’s financial support. In a divorce, that support will end. While you might be entitled to alimony, Texas law places a cap on the amount of support a divorced spouse can be ordered to pay. Your spouse will not have to pay you more than $5,000 a month or 20 percent of his or her gross monthly income, whichever is less.
What Can I Do if I Am Denied Access to My Grandchild in Texas?
Grandparents’ rights are a difficult issue under Texas law because the state grants broad autonomy to parents in how they raise their children. This includes the authority to decide who children may have a relationship with, even if that means cutting off a family member.
If you are a grandparent who has been denied access to your grandchild by the child’s parents, the first step is to consult with a qualified family lawyer in Texas who can discuss your rights with you.
What Are My Rights as a Grandparent?
Grandparents are, for the most part, considered third parties in Texas and do not have any automatic rights to their grandchildren. The easiest way to ensure you have a strong relationship with your grandchild is to maintain positive relations with his or her parents. If this is not possible to do with both parents and only one parent consents to your having visitation rights, you may be allowed to visit the child during periods when only that parent has possession, or custody, of the child.
The Process and Challenges of Stepparent Adoption in Texas
Blending families through marriage often leads stepparents to want to formalize their role and cement the bond with their stepchildren through adoption. However, stepparent adoption comes with its own unique processes and challenges that must be carefully navigated with a Texas family lawyer.
The Legal Requirements for Stepparent Adoption
The Texas Family Code outlines the legal prerequisites for stepparents to adopt a spouse’s child. The stepparent filing for adoption must be married to the child’s parent, and the other biological parent must consent to the adoption or have their parental rights legally terminated.
Obtaining Parental Consent
One of the biggest hurdles is obtaining consent from the other biological parent. If that parent agrees to the adoption, he or she must execute an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights before a certified officer. However, if the other parent refuses to give consent, the petitioning stepparent must seek termination of that parent’s rights through the court system.
How to Document and Use Narcissistic Behavior as Evidence in a Texas Divorce
When going through a divorce with a narcissistic spouse, having clear documentation of his or her behavior can be crucial for getting a favorable settlement. Under Texas law, evidence of conduct that substantially negatively impacts the marital relationship is a factor courts can consider when dividing property and determining spousal support obligations. A Texas lawyer can help you determine how to document narcissism effectively and the proper steps to take along the way.
Keep a Diary
Start keeping a daily diary documenting instances of narcissistic behavior, like extreme self-centeredness, lack of empathy, feelings of entitlement, exploitation of others, arrogance, envy, aggression, and more. Be as specific as possible by recording dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Stick to factual descriptions without assumptions. Courts may place more emphasis on documentation made closer in time to the incidents.
What Makes a Parent Unfit for Custody in Texas?
Unfortunately, there are times when one parent is not fit to care for their child. The other parent can request sole physical and legal custody in these cases.
What makes a parent unfit for custody in Texas?
The courts will consider many factors and always decide in the child’s best interest. Here is what happens if a person is deemed unfit to hold onto their parental duties.
The Definition of an Unfit Parent
When you hear the term “unfit parent,” you might think of someone who doesn’t have the child’s best interests at heart. Sometimes, they do not have the resources to care for the child. Other times, they engage in risky behavior or have been arrested for abuse.
These individuals may not be fit to raise a child in those situations. In the state of Texas, an unfit parent cannot provide a stable and safe environment for their child. There are several factors taken into consideration before a person is deemed as an “unfit parent.”
Negotiating a Texas Divorce Settlement with a Narcissist
After you have filed for divorce, you want the process toward a settlement to go smoothly. However, if you are involved with a narcissist, you may be in for a long and arduous journey. Negotiating a Texas divorce settlement with a narcissist can be a challenge.
You may want to work with an experienced family law attorney to handle these cases. Otherwise, your narcissistic ex-partner may try to wear you down for a less-than-reasonable resolution. Here is how you can reach a divorce settlement with a narcissist.
Negotiation Challenges
In the state of Texas, all assets acquired during the marriage are community property. As a result, they must be divided equitably. With child custody, the determination is based on the child’s best interest. Negotiating any of these agreements with a narcissist can be difficult.
Narcissism and amicable settlements are not terms that go hand in hand. Many times, narcissists have a lack of empathy for others. They will try to fight for a settlement that is in their best interests while trying to “win” the case. Along the way, they will manipulate the situation to benefit their needs, regardless of whether it hurts their ex and children.
How to Negotiate Child Custody with a Narcissist
During a divorce, it can be difficult to negotiate terms of child custody. When the other parent is a narcissist, that leads to even more challenges. Those narcissistic tendencies complicate the negotiation process. And they can leave you feeling trusted. However, there are ways to handle these types of individuals. Here are a few points to keep in mind when it comes time to negotiate child custody with a narcissist
Get Ready for a Legal Battle
Unfortunately, narcissists often show their true personality after you have built a relationship with them. Sometimes, you may have a child or several children with them. If you want to break free, negotiating child custody is one important step in the divorce process.
Narcissists often prioritize their own needs and desires over the well-being of others. In turn, that can make any negotiations challenging. They may exhibit manipulation and a lack of accountability, undermining your abilities as a parent.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
