free lawyer who deals with sociopaths

by Heaven Padberg PhD 10 min read

Does being a sociopath make you a better attorney?

 · An open letter to lawyers who have clients involved with sociopaths. When a client tells you his or her opponent is a sociopath, please be aware of the ramifications for your legal case. First of all, do not disregard the statement just because the opponent hasn’t killed anyone. A common perception is that sociopaths (people who have ...

Is it legal to call someone a sociopath?

Answer (1 of 3): > Do you know a good family lawyer who handles cases against sociopaths? I don’t know where (what jurisdiction/country/society you are asking for ...

How to deal with a sociopath family member?

 · 10. There’s No Right or Wrong. Don’t talk about being wrong or right. Sociopaths do not perceive right or wrong. They only understand power, and they want to have power over you. 11. Be Skeptical. Sociopaths have perfected the art of pushing people’s buttons in order to get their way with them.

Can a sociopath be prosecution for a crime?

Pro bono programs match low-income clients with volunteer lawyers, who agree to take their cases for free. Free Legal Answers. Online pro bono program that matches low-income clients …

How do you divorce a sociopath?

It is so common in divorce cases for emotions to run hot. Divorcing a sociopath takes that to another level. That reaction to attempts at instilling fear, intimidation or even emotional abuse is too often illogical, emotional and not healthy. When it comes to assets, a divorce must become a business transaction.

When you are married to a sociopath?

If you're married to a sociopath, you may also notice they lack remorse and have no shame when it comes to manipulating people. Another sign you're married to a sociopath is that they lie often and are known to be pathological liars. Sociopaths also struggle to control their behavior.

What is a sociopaths vs psychopaths?

The Difference Between Sociopath and Psychopath While psychopaths are classified as people with little or no conscience, sociopaths do have a limited, albeit weak, ability to feel empathy and remorse. Psychopaths can and do follow social conventions when it suits their needs.

Do sociopaths or psychopaths lack empathy?

Both lack empathy, the ability to stand in someone else's shoes and understand how they feel. But a psychopath has less regard for others, says Aaron Kipnis, PhD, author of The Midas Complex. Someone with this personality type sees others as objects he can use for his own benefit.

Can a sociopath love you?

But truly, can sociopaths love? When love is a deep and complex emotion, a feeling of fondness, tenderness, bonding, and connection between human beings, no, a sociopath cannot love.

Do sociopaths grieve?

Some people with severe narcissistic, sociopathic, and psychopathic tendencies can feel sadness or grief and can even cry. For example, if someone with whom they had a bond with dies. For others, an exposure to trauma can elicit certain emotions that were otherwise deeply repressed.

What is a sociopaths weakness?

What is a sociopath's weakness? Everyone, even people with antisocial personality disorder, experiences weakness from time to time. Although sociopaths differ one from another, many professionals agree that one weakness most sociopaths experience is their sense of fearlessness.

Can a sociopath be cured?

Sociopaths are not likely to seek treatment on their own or even realise there is a problem. Sociopathy is a life-long condition that cannot be cured. Treatment and close follow-ups with mental health care professionals can help to manage the disorder.

What's a narcissistic sociopath?

A narcissistic sociopath describes a dangerous person who demonstrates traits and symptoms of both narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD). They derive satisfaction from manipulating, deceiving, using, and abusing others in order to get what they want.

What makes a sociopath angry?

If things don't go the way they want them to, they'll get angry and could be aggressive. They can't keep it together and have emotional outbursts." Sociopaths lack empathy like psychopaths, but they do tend to feel anger and stress like everyone else.

What is a dark empath?

In 2020, psychologists coined the term "dark empaths" to describe people who tend to have trouble with emotional empathy or physically feeling the emotions someone else is experiencing.

How do I deal with a narcissistic sociopath?

How to Deal With a Narcissistic Sociopath Don't wait for them to give you permission. Don't feed their ego or give them reason to play with your emotions. Take a step back and stop yourself from getting charmed or persuased. Stay away from them as much as you can. ... Don't let them take control of you.More items...•

What to do when you realize you're dealing with a sociopath?

When you realize you’re dealing with someone who could be a sociopath, make a point of staying away from them. Do not try to cure them or beat them at their own game.

What does it mean to be a sociopath?

If you are like most people, you probably associate the word ‘sociopath’ to serial killers. Sociopaths exhibit their antisocial tendencies in various ways, and you’d be surprised to find out that there are many sociopaths leading ordinary lives.

Do sociopaths perceive right or wrong?

Don’t talk about being wrong or right. Sociopaths do not perceive right or wrong. They only understand power, and they want to have power over you.

Can a sociopath be cured?

You simply cannot cure a sociopath. Only a person who has some humanity in them can be reformed. Those devoid of a conscience are beyond reform. Protect Yourself. A sociopath will attempt to drain you of everything you have including your money, emotional well being, power, reputation and status.

What is a sociopath's characteristic?

One characteristic of sociopaths is cheating on their partners without feeling guilty.

How do you know if you are a sociopath?

One way to do so is to watch out for their behavior. Some signs that someon e might be a sociopath include: Lack of remorse - they hurt people with abandon without feeling like they have done something wrong.

What is sociopathism?

Sociopaths usually have a personality disorder whereby they are unable to get along with others and have a total disregard to the moral or legal standards in their culture.

What is a sociopath known for?

Sociopaths are notorious for blowing through money; there may be nothing left for you to collect. The whole process of taking a sociopath to court will financially and emotionally drain you. The sociopath, however, looks at a court battle as a game—a game that he or she is determined to win.

What to do if you can't take legal action?

If you can’t take legal action, you may want to at least expose the sociopath to save someone else from being victimized. You may post the sociopath on Don’t Date Him Girl or other websites that name cheaters. You may get away with it. Or, if the sociopath you expose has resources and likes the lawsuit game (see above), you may find yourself in court, accused of libel or invasion of privacy.

Is it legal to call someone a sociopath?

Here’s another complication: There are no legal guidelines for when or how it is permissible to say someone is a sociopath. Media lawyers frequently do not allow the publications or TV shows they represent to call someone a sociopath. This may be the case even if the person making the statement is an expert. When his show about Ed Hicks was taped, Dr. Phil referred to Hicks as a sociopath. Dr. Phil certainly knows a sociopath when he sees one, but the show’s lawyers cut the term “sociopath” from the broadcast.

Can a sociopath get money?

The other option is civil court—suing the sociopath. Unfortunately this will cost you money that you may not have if the sociopath has wiped you out. Then, even if you file a lawsuit, win your case and get a judgment, it may be difficult or impossible to actually get your money. Sociopaths are notorious for blowing through money; there may be nothing left for you to collect.

Can Lovefraud report a sociopath?

Lovefraud usually recommends reporting a sociopath’s crime, even if it is not likely to be investigated. If a sociopath is doing something illegal to you, he or she is probably also doing it to someone else. Maybe if a pattern develops, authorities will take action.

Is it illegal to be a sociopath?

Many sociopaths know exactly where the legal lines are, and manage to stay in the gray area without crossing over them. Their actions are unethical, but not illegal. Criminal prosecution only becomes possible when a sociopath violates the law—which many of them do. Prisons are full of sociopaths.

Is it legal to cheat on a spouse?

Therefore, action can only be taken based on what a sociopath does, and many typical sociopathic behaviors are legal. It is legal to cheat on a spouse or intimate partner. It is legal to lie, except under oath and on some official documents (which never stopped a socio path).

Why is it so hard to deal with a sociopath?

What are your instincts telling you? It's difficult when dealing with a sociopath because due to the manipulation you have been overriding your instincts. What, for example, was your initial feeling on first meeting the sociopath? Did you give them the benefit of the doubt at the start for whatever reason? This is something you can never afford to do when dealing with a sociopath.

Why is it important to know the sociopath?

Firstly, it means you're able to see the relationship for what it is, something totally false that the sociopath creates in order to manipulate your emotions. Secondly, the sociopath loses his power over you.

How to move on after a psychopath?

Read books about mind control, about psychopaths and watch movies and videos. Apply the information to yourself. How were you deceived from the beginning? How did they keep the charade going? What techniques were they using? Why did you fall for them? This is all part of your recuperation for undoing the influence these charlatans had on you so that you can move on after a psychopath.

How to communicate in court?

If you need to communicate, keep it short, stick to the facts (no opinions or personal thoughts) and communicate as if you know your communication is going to be read out in court.

Why is it important to give personal information to a sociopath?

Any information you give them can and will be used against you. This is important because you are dealing with a sociopath. This means you are dealing with a professional manipulator and you should expect that any personal information you give will be used to manipulate your emotions, blame you for what is happening and/or used to try to continue the relationship.

Can you stop contact with a sociopath?

Of course, sometimes it's simply not possible to cease all contact straight away. Children, business contracts, marriages may need to be sorted out first. But as soon as you realize you're dealing with a sociopath, you need to take steps to protect yourself.

Do sociopaths have friends?

Sociopaths don't have friends. They perceive others as victims or competitors, and the competitors typically end up as victims too, because the sociopath wants to win at all costs. Any contact is a sign for them that they still have a chance to continue to manipulate you.

Why are sociopaths involved in criminal and civil legal action?

Because of their anti-social behaviour , sociopaths are often involved in criminal and civil legal action and disputes due to fraudulent business deals, failure to pay their debts, theft or damage to property , will disputes and family law trials.

Who wrote the article on sociopaths?

Sociopaths who manipulate the family law system. A recent article by Bill Eddy from the High Conflict Institute wrote about Sociopaths and their Deceptions. In this article, I’ll reference the article written by Bill Eddy and expand on how parents and professionals can be on their guard for Sociopaths who manipulate the family law system.

Can sociopaths be con artists?

On the other hand, since sociopaths can be such con artists, they have a pattern of falsely claiming to be the victim of their spouse when they are not. This is very confusing in family courts, as concerns of abuse are very common these days and taken very seriously.

What happens when a sociopath starts using violence?

When they begin using violent and controlling strategies against their family their partner may seek a restraining order against them or the police may do so. However they may convince the court that they are not abusive. Sociopaths can be the most charming of people and incredibly persuasive.

What do people want to get from other people?

They want to get things from other people such as their money, assets, influence, sex or control over them through threats or blackmail. In their efforts to achieve this dominant role over other people and get things from them they will often violate the law, ignore social or moral rules and hurt other people.

Is family law a sociopath?

When supporting or judging people in the family law system it is really important to remember that a percentage of the people you work with will be sociopaths. They will lie to your face with absolute credibility and unless there is evidence that disproves their statements you will not be able to tell with any degree of certainty whether or not they are lying.

What is the second most psychopathic profession?

Based on Dutton's research, the second most psychopathic profession is that of a lawyer. (The first is a CEO). This has spurred a lot of discussion in the legal community (see, e. g ., Above the Law, ABA Law Journal ).

What is the name of the professor who wrote the book "Confessions of a Sociopath"?

Adding fuel to the fire, law professor M.E. Thomas (a pseudonym) published Confessions of a Sociopath, arguing that being a sociopath made her a better attorney. On one hand, psychopathic traits of self-confidence, cold-heartedness, manipulation, deceitful charm, and ruthlessness might help in some legal situations.

Can a lawyer be disbarred?

A psychopathic inability to be honest, be considerate, and "play nice" can be absolutely career -ending for a lawyer. Although it is not apparent from shows about lawyers on television, lawyers get disbarred all the time for carrying out some of the "psychopathic" behavior described above.

Who said deep inside me there's a serial killer lurking somewhere?

At one point, Dutton speaks to a successful attorney who told him: “Deep inside me, there’s a serial killer lurking somewhere. But I keep him amused with cocaine, Formula One, booty calls, and coruscating cross-examination.” Adding fuel to the fire, law professor M.E. Thomas (a pseudonym) published Confessions of a Sociopath, arguing that being a sociopath made her a better attorney.

Why do people act sadistically?

They may act aggressively or sadistically toward others in pursuit of their personal agendas and appear to derive pleasure or satisfaction from humiliating, demeaning dominating, or hurting others. They also have the capacity for superficial charm and ingratiation when it suits their purposes.

What are the characteristics of a psychopathic personality disorder?

Individuals [with psychopathic personality disorder] are arrogant and self-centered, and feel privileged and entitled. They have a grandiose, exaggerated sense of self-importance and they are primarily motivated by self-serving goals. They seek power over others and will manipulate, exploit, deceive, con, or otherwise take advantage of others, in order to inflict harm or to achieve their goals. They are callous and have little empathy for others’ needs or feelings unless they coincide with their own. They show disregard for the rights, property, or safety of others and experience little or no remorse or guilt if they cause any harm or injury to others. They may act aggressively or sadistically toward others in pursuit of their personal agendas and appear to derive pleasure or satisfaction from humiliating, demeaning dominating, or hurting others. They also have the capacity for superficial charm and ingratiation when it suits their purposes. They profess and demonstrate minimal investment in conventional moral principles and they tend to disavow responsibility for their actions and to blame others for their own failures and shortcomings.

What are the traits of a psychopathic personality?

Dutton argues that psychopathic traits such as arrogance, ruthlessness, deceitfulness, manipulation, and char isma can help CEOs and attorneys succeed in their professions. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Individuals [with psychopathic personality disorder] are arrogant and self-centered, ...

How to deal with a sociopath?

The very first step of dealing with a sociopath family member is to accept the reality and to develop a strong sense of conviction that you would be doing everything possible to keep the rest of your family and yourself safe from the pries of the sociopath. You must remember that the sociopath thinks of no one and doesn’t want to bring any good to anyone. All they would think of is what they can do, for their own selfish ends and to do that they would do everything possible, from theft to abuse, physical assaults to outright exploitation.

What is a sociopath?

A sociopath is a person who stands against everything that is considered right or morally correct in a society. This is not a technical definition but what a sociopath is in a broader sense. There are various types of sociopaths and delving into such details would have to be specific to every case.

Can a sociopath be isolated?

In some cases, isolation is not an option, especially if the sociopath is completely dependent on the family, in all ways. In such cases, seeking professional help and thus a place where the sociopath family member can be looked after will be better.

Can a sociopath isolate a family member?

Once you have ascertained that you are willing to take the necessary steps to deal with the sociopath family member, you must isolate that person. Either you can isolate that person or you can isolate the entire family. In some cases, isolation is not an option, especially if the sociopath is completely dependent on the family, in all ways.

What does a sociopath think of no one?

You must remember that the sociopath thinks of no one and doesn’t want to bring any good to anyone. All they would think of is what they can do, for their own selfish ends and to do that they would do everything possible, from theft to abuse, physical assaults to outright exploitation. YouTube. elizabeth orr.

Do sociopaths have to seek professional help?

No matter what situation you are in, if you have doubts or are certain that you have a sociopath family member, you must seek professional help. Most families don’t seek any professional help at all. You will find a lot of information here and online but professional help is personalized, after diagnosing and assessing all aspects of a specific scenario, which is unparallel.

Why do you need to understand sociopaths?

The reason why you need to understand the sociopath family member is to instill the strength in you to take some hard measures. Not all ways of dealing with a sociopath family member are easy. Many are an uphill task and such daunting challenges will need a lot of conviction in your mind.