
Helping You & Your Family Move Forward
Experienced Attorney for Complex Divorces in Fairfax
Are You Going Through a Divorce from a Narcissist?
Whether your soon-to-be-ex was clinically diagnosed or you simply recognize the symptoms of narcissism in them, it's important to understand what to expect out of the process. Divorcing a narcissist isn't the same as getting a divorce from someone without a serious personality disorder.
At Keithley Law, PLLC, we understand the complications that can arise during the divorce process when one spouse is a narcissist. We may be able to give you tools and advice to keep a problematic narcissist in check during your divorce.
If you're divorcing a narcissist, reach out to us today at (703) 454-5147.
What Are the Complications of Divorcing a Narcissist?
Negotiation is always favorable to taking your divorce to court, but coming to an agreement with a narcissist can seem close to impossible. Narcissists constantly try to exploit you or avoid the rules, leading to little to no results. You may need to go to trial, which means you need to prepare for the emotional difficulties that could arise. Ultimately, a judge may be able to see more clearly than your ex can, especially about contested issues like child custody.
By choosing an experienced Fairfax family law attorney who is familiar with the process of divorcing a narcissist, you will have someone who understands the challenges of your ex's personality and how to navigate them. At Keithley Law, PLLC, our lead attorney also understands psychopathologies and can help from that perspective.
There are a few important things to know about divorcing a narcissist, such as:
- Look at their actions, not their words
- Toxic, exploitative relationships can create trauma bonds
- Narcissists often act like they are the perpetual victim
- Stunted emotional intelligence can lead to denying, reflecting, and minimizing
- Threats of abandonment or the silent treatment
- Narcissists often use a form of manipulation called gaslighting
Protecting Your Child from Abusive Behaviors
It may seem terrifying to have to raise your child with a narcissistic, toxic individual. However, in some cases, you may not have a choice. It is important that you spend your time with your child wisely and not spend any more time than is necessary to talk about your ex. Your ex may try to twist the situation and manipulate your child, which can be highly destructive.
If you are trying to share parenting with your soon-to-be-ex, keep in mind that:
- Adults who are insecurely attached may raise their children with insecure attachments
- Parental alienation, which is a form of child abuse, can result from flawed parenting
- Narcissistic parents can lead to children who develop attachment traumas

The Opinions That Matter
See What Our Clients Have to Say
-
“If I could extend a rating beyond the maximum of 5 stars, I would gladly do so. Following my initial consultation with Ms. Soo, I engaged the legal services of Ms. Dawn, both of whom exhibit a remarkable depth of expertise within the realm of family law. Over the past year, their collective commitment to securing a fair and equitable custody agreement has endowed me with a profound understanding of Virginia's custody laws.- Jamius V.
Ms. Dawn has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to my case, ensuring seamless guidance from its inception to its resolution. Her responsiveness to my legal inquiries has been exceptional, often addressing them with remarkable promptness. Simultaneously, Ms. Soo has remained well-versed in the particulars of my case, delivering unparalleled representation within the courtroom.
I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for facilitating a safe and harmonious environment for my daughter. While it is customary for negotiations to leave parties with varying degrees of satisfaction, I firmly believe that the outcome achieved could not have been more favorable. Thank you immensely for your invaluable assistance!” -
“Thank you so much for sharing your information on the internet. I have been with the same man for 35 years - high school sweethearts. I have tried so hard for so long, and slowly over the past year and a half, I was doing what your site recommends - taking time during the silence to read, journal, reflect and work on myself. THEN I found your page "Narcissism, Stonewalling, & Ghosting". THANK YOU so much for sharing the details you've gleaned over your career and compiling them in such a clear, concise manner! This page describes my relationship to a T! Your site pulls together all the signs, and symptoms I have been slowly connecting, but with your help, I now have a better description of the personality I'm married to.”- Anonymous
-
“- Former Client
Gentle pacing when needed. Patience and excellent listening skills have really been a saving grace.
” -
“- Former Client
Dawn and Soo are great attorneys who give you support, empathy, prompt advice with experience and knowledge. Customer service from the office is also superb. Thank you so much for your kindness and wonderful guidance through difficult times.
” -
“- Former Client
I am very happy that Mr. Thompson took the time to hear my "elevator pitch" and chronology about what my issues were without interruption or tangential questions. He further demonstrated that he is very detail-oriented and made some very good points I hadn't considered with my case.
” -
“- Former Client
I felt the attorney had useful knowledge of the Virginia Landlord tenant law. He was able to help me decide which path might be the best to take, given many clear options. Thanks!
” -
“- Former Client
Soo Keithley and Dawn Rogan-Titus were an inspiration to me as they helped direct me through the divorce procedure. They both knew how to handle a controversial divorce and guided me in the process of what to expect. Divorce is a very emotional time for anyone and to know that your lawyer will do anything to help you is refreshing. They were always honest and upfront with my questions even if the answer was not what I wanted to hear. Their legal team worked well together and complemented each other. All were very professional yet very friendly where this can be a very hard mix to find in lawyers this firm had an impressive dynamic. Thank you to Soo, Dawn, and your team for helping me through this excruciating time in my life.
” -
“
The attorney was frank and gave me helpful advice.
” -
“- Hope G.
I just met with Henry Thompson II, who helped me think through my complex and highly emotional family law case. He gave me helpful advice and took the time to answer my questions as well. When the consultation appointment ended, I felt like I had a good sense of how to proceed, both practically and as far as my mindset. Thank you very much! My case is one that shows that it's better to retain legal counsel early in the process rather than waiting year after year to pass.
”
