Navigating No Contact and Serving Divorce Papers in Cases Involving Narcissists
Dealing with a spouse who exhibits narcissistic traits can be psychologically and emotionally draining. The decision to end such a relationship often requires careful planning and execution to ensure your safety and well-being. If you have been under a no contact order for one month, and are now considering serving your narcissist husband with divorce papers, this article aims to guide you through this complex process.
Understanding the No Contact Order
Keep in mind that the purpose of a no contact order is to ensure your safety and prevent further abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse from a narcissist can be just as harmful as physical abuse. By maintaining a no contact order, you are prioritizing your safety and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial not to break this order unless absolutely necessary.
What Should You Do?
Given the nature of a narcissist, it can be risky to communicate your intentions to him, as he may manipulate the situation to his advantage. According to legal experts, it is best to let the courts handle the notification. Your attorney can arrange for a professional process server to serve the divorce papers. This ensures that the papers are delivered in a manner that is both legal and secure for you. Manually breaking the no contact to inform him about the divorce papers is not only unnecessary but can be detrimental to your case and personal safety.
Keeping the Order Intact
Remember, breaking the no contact order is not about informing him but about ensuring he is legally served. Do not give him the chance to interfere or manipulate the situation. Let the legal professionals handle the process. If you have an attorney, they will handle the serving process as required by your county's regulations.
Tips from Experienced Individuals
Others suggest allowing the process server to legally serve the papers without alerting the narcissist. One suggested leaving it to a sheriff or officer to handle the service in a marked car, but this method may not always be effective. Another person advised against this approach, stating that the officer may only attempt to serve the papers three times before ceasing, requiring you to pay again for a second attempt.
Some professionals offer an alternative approach. They recommend hiring a process server who can handle the task discreetly and legally. This ensures that the narcissist husband is served without him knowing. Another suggestion involves using a trusted individual, like a brother or a private investigator, who can handle the papers in a way that does not alert the recipient.
Conclusion
Dealing with a narcissist during divorce proceedings is challenging but not insurmountable. Keeping the no contact order intact is crucial not only for your safety but also for the fairness of the legal process. Letting professionals handle the serving of divorce papers can provide the necessary legal framework and emotional safety you need.
For further assistance, consider consulting with a legal professional with experience in handling cases involving narcissists. They can offer personalized advice and support to help navigate through this difficult time.