Divorcing Someone With Paranoid Personality Disorder: What You Need to Know

We’ve talked a lot in recent years here on The Kronzek Firm’s family law blog, about narcissism. But the truth is, that’s not the only personality disorder that can complicate a divorce and add serious conflict to the process of a divorce or custody case here in Michigan. There are numerous others that can make people very challenging to deal with during times of significant stress. That means, if you’re divorcing someone (or even considering divorcing someone) with a personality disorder, they don’t have to be a narcissist for you to know it’s going to be a long, rough ride. For example, There’s Paranoid Personality Disorder. 

What is Paranoid Personality Disorder?

Paranoid personality disorder (also called PPD) is one of a group of conditions called eccentric personality disorders. People who suffer from PPD struggle with severe paranoia, and an unrelenting mistrust and suspicion of others (even when there is NO reason to be suspicious!) They believe that almost everyone around them is driven by dubious, and sometimes downright evil motivations. We’ve handled several cases recently in Lansing, DeWitt, Eaton County, and Grand Ledge where we’ve had to deal with spouses suffering from PPD, and we can assure you – it’s not a fun time for anyone involved! 

How do people with paranoia act and treat others?

Because people with PPD believe that everyone around them has questionable motivations, they’re always on high alert. This often makes them very hostile in their dealings with others. They also tend to be critical, aloof, and controlling. Because they’re certain that others are intent on harming them, lying to them, or manipulating them, they might view many normal interactions as potential threats. It’s normal for people to worry to some extent about particular situations, but people with this disorder are extreme in their mistrust and skepticism of others.

How could this affect your divorce?

Someone who suspects that everything you do is for evil reasons, and thinks you’re out to get them, is going to be much more likely to fight you on every decision you make, regardless of your real reasons. So if you try to get joint custody of your children because you love them and want to spend time with them (as most parents do) a spouse with PPD or another paranoia disorder can assume that you’re trying to take the kids away from them. Or perhaps that you’re angling to get more time with the kids than they have. The same can be said of asset division. Anything you try to keep for yourself is likely to be seen as you trying to steal from them, or take something you don’t deserve.

The Kronzek Firm can help you through this difficult process

Getting divorced from someone with PPD, or any personality disorder, is an extremely stressful process. You’re likely to run into many obstacles along the way, and deal with more than your fair share of conflict. It’s going to be tough. Judges in Lansing are pretty familiar with dealing with mentally ill parties so that’s a plus for you. But you don’t have to do it alone. (In fact, you really shouldn’t do it alone!) At The Kronzek Firm, our compassionate and aggressively hard working family law attorneys have decades of experience handling high conflict divorces in Ingham County, Jackson County, Eaton County and Clinton County. We’ve helped thousands of  Lansing, Eaton County, and Livingston County residents end unhappy marriages to contentious spouses. We can help you too. Just call 517 866 1000 today to set up your free consultation.

Our family law team is available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention.


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