Divorce cases involving narcissistic personality traits are rarely straightforward, particularly when it comes to financial disclosure. Ellena Mottram, Solicitor in JMW’s family team, looks at how these issues can arise in divorce proceedings and how they can be addressed in a clear, evidence-led way.

Trying to navigate a divorce and the financial claims that arise can be stressful for any person. The stress and anxiety that is felt is often compounded when divorcing someone who deliberately tries to cause delays to the Court process, refuses to meaningfully engage in the disclosure process or conceals or undervalues assets. Unfortunately, these are the tactics we frequently have to help people navigate when they are divorcing someone with narcissist traits.

How might a narcissist disrupt the divorce proceedings?

The first stage in dealing with the financial claims arising from a divorce is to engage in the process of full and frank disclosure. It is not possible to determine a fair and reasonable division of the asset base without first understanding what that asset base is. Each party is under a duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure, so the financial landscape is clear.

In some cases, individuals may place greater focus on maintaining control of the process or pursuing their own objectives than on reaching a swift and fair resolution.

An individual with narcissistic traits may look to disrupt the divorce process in the following ways:

• Cause delays by refusing to provide information and failing to comply with deadlines to exhaust their ex-partner emotionally and financially (often both);
• Failing to provide meaningful disclosure, either by refusing to provide disclosure or trying to ‘bury’ their ex-partner in paperwork in an attempt to distract from the main issues in the case;
• Providing false or misleading information / disclosure in an attempt to defeat their ex-partners financial claims;
• Where they are self-employed or there are business interests, attempting to conceal the value of the business or deliberately undervalue either the income that can be generated or the capital value of the business.

How can you deal with a narcissist during divorce?

When a former partner repeatedly frustrates the progress of financial proceedings, the key is not to become drawn into the conflict but to have the right legal team and strategy in place. Specialist family lawyers will recognise the warning signs of a case that requires a more proactive approach and can take appropriate steps to keep the matter moving forward.

In many cases, this involves more than simply exchanging correspondence. A successful outcome may require the involvement of specialist professionals such as forensic accountants, pension experts or other independent third parties who can provide objective evidence where issues are disputed. The value of these experts lies in their ability to establish clear, independent facts, enabling the court to make decisions based on evidence rather than allegations, emotion or competing narratives.

How can a forensic accountant help in a divorce?

A forensic accountant will establish a true and accurate value of a business where a former partner is looking to distort business accounts to present a business that is not performing or undervaluing the asset.

A  forensic accountant can establish:

• An accurate capital value of the business;
• A reasonable income that can be generated;
• The liquidity in the business and what can be withdrawn.

A forensic accountant is impartial and has a duty to the Court so despite their best efforts an individual with narcissistic traits will not be able to influence the expert. A court instructed expert establishes the facts and reports these to the court to assist the court when it is deciding how that asset should be treated.

Ultimately, the benefit of a forensic accountant is that they can help move the discussion away from suspicion, accusation and competing versions of events, and towards clear financial evidence. In cases where business interests, complex accounts, unexplained transactions or concerns about hidden resources are central issues, their analysis can help identify what questions need to be asked, what documents may be relevant and whether the financial picture being presented is reliable. For someone divorcing a partner who may seek to control or distort the process, that independent scrutiny can provide clarity, focus and reassurance that the court is being asked to consider the underlying financial reality rather than simply the version of events advanced by one party.

Getting the right support during a complex divorce

At JMW, our family law team has niche experience of supporting clients where narcissistic behaviours, control, non-disclosure or complex financial structures are features of the divorce process. We understand that these cases require more than technical legal knowledge: they call for a clear strategy, careful management of the evidence and a calm, empathetic approach that recognises the emotional pressure clients may be under. If your case requires specialist expert input, our team can help you understand the process and consider the next steps in a measured and practical way.