I’m in a difficult situation co-parenting with a sociopath, and I’m feeling utterly overwhelmed. My ex-husband, a lawyer and a sociopath, is using our son as a pawn in his relentless efforts to torment me. Our boy, who is still in elementary school, often spends time alone with him at his mountain home. I’m deeply concerned that, in addition to emotional abuse, he may also be at risk of physical harm.
I find myself trapped. My ex manipulated his way into gaining custody by spending over $100,000 on a top divorce attorney, and without a similar financial means, I’m unable to modify the custody agreement. Even if I could, I know he would just violate it anyway. For the past seven months, he has been granting me 50/50 custody without court approval, but now he accuses me of trying to alienate our son from him and is threatening to restrict my visitation.
If I suggest reverting to the original court order, I would only have limited access to my son—just 20 hours a week and no overnights. If I remain silent, he ignores our previous arrangement, sending me emails filled with criticism and demanding I drive 25 miles to spend just a few hours with our son, only to return him shortly after. This unpredictability is unbearable and seems designed to disrupt both my son’s well-being and our bond.
Can you provide me with some strategies to navigate this situation? My friends and family are at a loss when it comes to dealing with someone who exhibits sociopathic behavior.
Sincerely,
Chanci