People often do or say things they later regret in the heat of a divorce. However, crossing a line and making false allegations is both unwise and illegal. If your ex is making false statements about you during your divorce, you should know how you can respond to protect yourself and your rights.
DON’T FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE
If your ex is falsely accusing you of unfit parenting, abuse or violence, it can be tempting to lash out at them. You might want to make aggressive responses on social media or attempt to discredit them with friends, family or employers.
However, fighting fire with fire is not necessarily the proper response in these scenarios.
Rather than dragging yourself down to their level, you can respond by staying calm, discrediting their statements and letting your attorney manage exchanges. You might also pursue protective orders or confidentiality agreements to stop your ex from harassing and attempting to discredit you.
While it can be challenging to use restraint when an ex is making outlandish or hurtful statements about you, it can help preserve your reputation and integrity throughout the divorce.
HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
False allegations are serious, and if your ex is making them under oath, they are breaking the law. You can hold them accountable for their actions by pursuing criminal charges or petitioning the courts to penalize them.
These measures could result in outcomes more favorable to you in divorce-related matters, monetary sanctions or even prison time.
SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Depending on where your ex is making their accusations, there are ways you can address them to set the record straight.
If your ex is spreading lies about you online, options you might consider include:
- Blocking the other person
- Making a calm, fact-based statement on a social media platform
- Pursuing harassment or defamation charges
If your ex is making false allegations in court, you and your attorney can challenge their statements and provide evidence of the truth on the record.
If your ex is saying untrue things to people in your life, you might explore the options for getting a protective order. You can also have a straightforward discussion with these parties to dispel the false statements against you.
Hurtful statements can be unavoidable during a contentious divorce. However, false allegations are never appropriate. These tips can help you protect against them.
