Author: Alun Jones
Subject: Coercive Control | NPD | Divorce
Coercive control and the divorce process
It's entirely possible to be within a coercive and controlling relationship without the victim realising precisely what is going on.
Coercive control erodes self-esteem and sense of identity and can leave you feeling helpless.
You may feel that these are just “personal issues,” totally separate from the divorce process itself.
However, it's important to note that a partner displaying such signs of controlling behaviour can have a significant bearing on how the divorce process is handled.
For example, even during the divorce process, which can be considered the final stages of a marriage, one partner may still want to exert an overbearing sense of control over the process.
Your partner could have narcissistic personality disorder, which again could be a pivotal factor in terms of influencing how a divorce lawyer treats and handles such a case.
What exactly is coercive control?
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse. This type of abuse can display itself within a relationship in many different forms. Typical forms of coercive control can be psychological, affecting one partner's sense of well-being through, for example, constantly checking up on their partner's activities.
Financial control can also be a form of coercive control; this will have a direct bearing on your divorce. For example, one partner may have been restricting your financial freedom.
This could have reached a point where one partner is unaware of the family's monthly expenditure or the amount of assets the couple or family have jointly accumulated.
Coercive control is a form of intimidation, control and, ultimately, a process of trying to dominate their partner's thinking to the point they can lose their sense of identity.
How can coercive control impact the divorce process?
Self-esteem
You may have had your self-esteem eroded within a toxic relationship. Initiating the divorce process can, therefore, be a daunting experience.
Regardless of which family law practice you choose, do come forward and tell your solicitor about the controlling and coercive behaviour present within the relationship at the earliest opportunity.
Some people will make the mistake of thinking the divorce process is simply about ending the marriage and redistributing assets. However, to reach that point, your family lawyer needs to understand the complexities of your marriage to negotiate a fair settlement.
For example, suppose your family lawyer is aware of controlling and coercive behaviour from the outset. In that case, they will often be familiar with the patterns of behaviour that could influence certain events during the divorce process.
This could mean that one partner may well have tried to conceal wealth and assets from their partner, knowing full well that they may not have been involved in managing the day-to-day finances.
Therefore, your divorce lawyer will need to carefully examine the family's finances, possibly with the assistance of an accountant, this is to determine a fair settlement.
How our family law practice can help you
You can rest assured that when you contact us, all matters will be discussed and kept confidential. You will be under no obligation to continue using our services and can engage us on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, obtaining advice when it is best suited for you.
When you enter the divorce process, we will provide you with the best possible support and advice. This expertise in helping clients navigate the divorce process is based on decades of experience.
You will, therefore, have a family law expert by your side to support you throughout the process.
Please reach out and contact the family law experts for help and advice today.
