In Michigan divorce cases where children are caught in the middle, the parents will have a litany of issues to get through to try and end the marriage and move on. While some cases are relatively straightforward and the sides may even be on reasonably good terms, others have unresolved obstacles that are still causing problems as the family law case proceeds.
In some instances, the parents have psychological issues that need to be addressed. One is narcissism. This could be present in one or both parents. Researchers who specialize in this topic note that it can also lead to parental alienation. In cases where narcissism has already been diagnosed or is suspected, having legal guidance that is tailored to this type of situation is critical to protect the children.
What should I know about narcissism and how it impacts kids?
During a divorce, the topic of narcissism and its underlying behaviors might come up. Once child custody and parenting time have been determined and the case is over, there can still be disagreements with a narcissistic parent. Since the objective is to serve the child’s best interests, this can obviously be a sticking point in coming to agreement on schooling, religious upbringing, medical care and extracurricular activities.
Children who are trapped amid parental discord are often witnesses to conflict. The parent who is narcissistic can be demanding, argumentative and impossible to placate. This can seep down to the child as they are frequently pawns in the narcissistic parent’s strategies. According to researchers, the child might have post-traumatic stress, mental health problems and parental alienation.
The child could feel ostracized, neglected and unsure of how to react as the marriage may be near its end or completely over, but the disagreements continue to cause them emotional turmoil. The parent without the narcissistic personality could have trouble moving on with a new relationship. The child could have similar difficulties as they mature.
Professionals who understand parental alienation can be enormously helpful
Since these types of cases are very specific and the parents and children need help that is attentive to their situation, it is imperative to consult the right type of legal professional who understands parental alienation. Consulting with those who are not only experienced but have done extensive research into the topic can make the difference in finding a positive outcome. This is a crucial first step with these challenging family law cases.