Can You Ever Truly Escape? The Lingering Effects of Narcissistic Abuse After a Business Divorce

Even after a business relationship ends, narcissists often continue their manipulation and abuse through legal loopholes and half-truths—sometimes with the help of lawyers who are misled or complicit. Learn how to protect yourself during this volatile transition.

When a business partnership ends—especially one involving a narcissist—you might expect closure and peace. Unfortunately, that's rarely the case. Narcissists often continue their patterns of manipulation, gaslighting, and exploitation long after the paperwork is signed.

One of the most exhausting post-divorce realities is the narcissist’s tendency to test boundaries.

They often push legal agreements to their limits, exploit loopholes, and dare others to hold them accountable. This behavior is rarely about oversight or misunderstanding. It’s about control. They operate in gray areas, always one step away from outright illegality, yet consistently unethical.

When called out, they gaslight. They claim they’re within their rights, that you're overreacting, or that you are the problem. This reversal of blame keeps you on the defensive and distracts from the real issue: their continued narcissistic abuse. These behaviors are not accidental—they are calculated. Narcissists thrive on dominance and chaos. In business, that may mean sabotaging transitions, withholding information, delaying financial settlements, or misrepresenting facts to third parties.

Example:

Sarah co-owned a marketing firm with a narcissistic partner. After a hostile split, the narcissist agreed—on paper—to provide all shared files and client contact data. However, during the transition, Sarah discovered that her partner had given her corrupted files and incomplete information. When she pushed back, the narcissist claimed she was misinterpreting the agreement and accused her of being “too emotional to manage a business.”

This kind of narcissistic abuse is not rare. And while it’s infuriating, it is also often legally gray, making it difficult to resolve quickly.

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Lawyers During This Phase

1. Choose a Lawyer Experienced in High-Conflict Personalities: Not all lawyers understand the psychological tactics used by narcissists. Find one who’s familiar with high-conflict personalities. Ask them directly if they’ve dealt with manipulative or abusive narcissists. These professionals will know how to draft tighter language and anticipate evasions.

2. Insist on Precise Language in Agreements: Avoid vague terms like “reasonable timeframe” or “good faith effort.” These are open invitations for manipulation. Instead, push for measurable, deadline-based deliverables: for example, “All client files in .zip format delivered by [specific date] via [specific method].”

3. Let Your Lawyer Handle Communication Whenever Possible: Narcissists love to provoke reactions. They may CC you on inflammatory emails or attempt to engage in back-channel conversations. Defer to your lawyer: “Please direct all communication to my attorney.” This prevents emotional baiting and document traps.

4. Prepare Your Lawyer with Context and Documentation: Before meetings or filings, provide your attorney with a concise “narcissist profile” and examples of past deception. Highlight patterns: gaslighting, stonewalling, threats, etc. This helps your lawyer stay one step ahead and document recurring behaviors.

Example Email Prep: Subject: Pattern of Delays and Incomplete Deliverables. “In the past 3 weeks, my former partner has submitted partial files three times despite the agreement stating all data must be transferred by March 1. Attached are email threads showing delays and shifting excuses. This fits their ongoing pattern of undermining the agreement and blaming others.”

5. Keep a Cool, Professional Demeanor—Always: Narcissists thrive on reactions. Staying calm and objective—especially in written legal communications—helps your lawyer maintain the upper hand. Emotional responses can be used against you later.

6. Don’t Assume Their Lawyer is Ethical—or Fully Informed: Some lawyers will knowingly enable their narcissistic client’s bad behavior and abuse, especially when compensated generously. These attorneys may use delay tactics, vague responses, or selectively enforce the agreement to help their client maintain control. However, not every opposing lawyer is acting in bad faith—some are simply uninformed. Narcissists are master manipulators who often misrepresent facts, play the victim, and distort the truth, even to their legal team. If their attorney has only heard a biased, fabricated version of the story, they may unknowingly advocate for positions rooted in deception.

That’s why clear documentation and strategic communication are essential. Your lawyer should respond professionally but firmly correcting misrepresentations with evidence and clearly outlining when the narcissist’s behavior contradicts the signed agreement. Avoid assuming the opposing lawyer understands the full context; instead, treat every communication as an opportunity to clarify the facts and reinforce your position with proof. When necessary, request joint meetings, mediation, or third-party reviews to uncover the truth and establish an objective framework for the process.

No matter who is enabling the dysfunction—knowingly or not—you must hold both parties accountable through your legal counsel. Stay focused, stay professional, and never underestimate the narcissist’s ability to spin a story, even in legal settings.

It may not be possible to completely escape their influence immediately, but with vigilance, documentation, and professional support, you can begin to minimize their reach—and take back your peace. You can’t control their behavior, but you can control your response.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not licensed clinicians, mental health professionals, lawyers, or legal advisors. For any concerns regarding mental health or personal situations, please seek advice from a qualified professional. For more details, please read our full disclaimer.