Defamation of Character

[nbvollmers]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? ND

My boyfriends cousin is constantly talking about me behind my back and spreading rumors, telling my boyfriend I am doing things and saying things I am not doing, and also posting things about me that are not true about my parenting skills on facebook.com. Can I sue for defamation of character? I am tired of constantly having to defend myself to my boyfriend and others due to the rumors this guy is spreading.

 

[quincy]

There does not seem to be, from what you have posted here, enough to support, or warrant the high cost of, a defamation action.

You and your boyfriend should probably just ignore the cousin's Facebook comments and ignore the cousin. I imagine your boyfriend knows you much better than your cousin does and can, therefore, easily discern the truth about you and your parenting skills. If false comments are not believed by anyone, they cannot cause reputational injury (except, perhaps, to the liar who is spouting the nonsense ).

Good luck.