The noteworthy case of NR v SE highlights the devastating impact narcissism can have particularly when it comes to arranging the division of finances through the Family Court following the breakdown of a marriage.
This case specifically demonstrates the egotistical extremities a husband went to in a bid to punish and leave his former spouse penniless following separation.
This case is not the first of this kind and unfortunately won’t be the last. Narcissistic tendencies are often exacerbated in the family court to exert control and to utilise litigation as a means to control a former spouse.
At the time of the parties’ separation, they had £80k in savings, a business turning over in excess of £350k, and they showcased a high standard of living. These savings disappeared along with the husband’s fruitful business and both parties found themselves in significant financial difficulty as a direct result of the husband’s self-destructive behaviour as found by the judge.
The husband made his intentions quite clear from messages sent to his wife explicitly stating “you will get **** all” and “I’m going to **** the whole company up”.
It was a deliberate exercise. The behaviour the husband demonstrated within this case was a clear pattern of narcissistic behaviour including:-
- The husband refused to engage with the courts obligations
- Failed to provide full and frank disclosure
- He frustrated the legal process by blatantly ignoring court orders
- Utilised litigation as a weapon at every given opportunity
- Continuously tried to mislead the court through the use of his own legal representatives.
How are narcissists dealt with in the family courts?
A report was recently published by Resolution proposing legal and procedural changes to ensure those subject to domestic abuse receive a fair financial settlement upon the breakdown of a relationship. Upon carrying out the research for the report, it became clear the current approach of some courts is not robust enough when it comes to dealing with abusers.
Following the breakdown of a relationship with an abuser, upon leaving the relationship it is not unusual for the abuser to use a number of different methods to prevent their spouse from achieving a fair settlement. It is common to see abusers with narcissistic tendencies withholding funds, hiding assets, delaying, bullying and breaching court orders in the family courts, like we see in the case of NR v SE.
This case highlights the importance of understanding and recognising narcissists and the way they operate in family courts.
Why Birkett and Co Solicitors?
We are specialists in understanding and recognising abusive behaviours of all types and therefore provide robust legal advice and representation in these matters.
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If you are in an abusive relationship or if you are experiencing anything discussed in this blog, you do not have to go through it alone.
Please get in touch here to arrange your initial 30-minute initial consultation with a family lawyer who can assist you in respect of your individual circumstances.