Mary Kennedy and Borderline Personality Disorder

by Shawn Weber, JD, CLS-F | Jun 12, 2012 | Uncategorized

Taken from http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/06/10/the-last-days-of-mary-richardson-kennedy.html

Newsweek recently published an article citing formerly sealed documents from the Bobby Kennedy, Jr. v. Mary Kennedy custody battle.  Apparently it revealed concerns that Mary Kennedy may have suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). 

This article caught my attention because of my involvement in so many difficult high conflict custody battles where BPD was involved.  These cases are extraordinarily difficult.  A person with BPD suffers greatly and simply hasn’t the ability to understand the effect that one’s behavior can have on family members and, of particular concern,  on children. 

I have represented both persons suffering from BPD and those attempting to divorce a person with BPD.  These cases are usually extremely conflictual and difficult to navigate.  Although I have developed a skill set that enables me to manage such cases in as good a way as possible, it gives me a front row seat to some very sad and destructive circumstances.  I would even say that I am one of the very few family law attorneys brave enough to take on such a case. 

I feel for the Kennedy family and also feel for Ms. Kennedy.  I hope that her celebrity and tragedy that resulted from her struggles will serve to shine a spotlight on the issue so that more of us can be better equipped to help those suffering from BPD.

Here is the link to the Newsweek article:  http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/06/10/the-last-days-of-mary-richardson-kennedy.html

Other celebrities rumored to suffer from BPD include:

• Princess Diana
• Amy Winehouse
• Brittany Spears
• Lindsey Lohan
• Marilyn Monroe
• Kurt Cobain

(Note, I am not attempting to confirm that these individuals indeed have or had BPD.  I am only noting the rumors.)

Perhaps the most famous and tragic story of a person with BPD in a family law context was the case involving Betty Broderick and the murder of her former husband, San Diego attorney Dan Broderick, and his new wife, Linda. (See http://cmm.lefora.com/2009/02/15/dan-and-linda-kolkena-broderick-betty-broderick-an/)

For more information about borderline personality disorder and its effect on family law cases, visit http://www.highconflictinstitute.com/.

Note about the author: 

Attorney Shawn Weber is especially equipped to work in high-conflict custody cases. He coaches clients on how to communicate with the other parent in a low-conflict way. His goal is always to lower the temperature during disputes and shield the children from the conflict. However, if necessary, he can provide legal protection when a custody battle becomes heated.

For a free telephone consulation, call Mr. Weber at 858-345-1616 or visit his website at http://www.bravewebermack.com/Family-Law-Overview/Child-Custody.shtml