In cases where there’s a history of financial abuse, this behavior may continue into the divorce. Divorce can be particularly challenging in this regard if the spouse was the primary income earner. It’s not uncommon for narcissists to:
Lie about their financial situation
Be uncooperative during the discovery phase
Intentionally hide or divert assets
Seek alimony, or spousal support
Refuse to pay alimony or child support, even if ordered to do so by the court
Drag out the proceedings to intentionally drive up the cost of the divorce
When divorcing a narcissist, it’s important to choose your battles wisely. Know when to stand your ground, and when to avoid being dragged into an unnecessary fight. It’s also important to take court order violations seriously, and file contempt actions when appropriate. Punishment for failure to comply with court orders can include community service, fines and jail time.