Defamation of Character / Libel

[wnagel]

What is the name of your state? KS

It's my understanding that KS has some unique defamation of character/libel laws on the books.

Anyway, my ex-wife put a 6"x8" ad in a newspaper in New York telling the world what a bad person I am and how I lied to win sole custody of our children. That people should send her money through her synagogue as a tax deduction to assist her with legal fees. She has done this 6 times already. Some of my friends in NY have already contacted me about the ad. She lives in Kansas too. Should I file a defamation of character lawsuit against her? Being that the ad ran in New York mainly, (yes I have friends and family there) it was hard to determine what injuries or damages I specifically suffered. It was my impression that with a lawsuit of this type, you had to prove damages?? Any thoughts? If I send the newspaper a 'cease and desist' letter, would they stop printing the ad? Also, can people funnel money through a church or synagogue to launder it and make it then tax free? Sounds like a nice scheme, as churches and synagogues take contributions and give it to supposedly needy families.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

What is the name of your state? KS

It's my understanding that KS has some unique defamation of character/libel laws on the books.

Anyway, my ex-wife put a 6"x8" ad in a newspaper in New York telling the world what a bad person I am and how I lied to win sole custody of our children. That people should send her money through her synagogue as a tax deduction to assist her with legal fees.

Depending on the exact wording of the ad you might be able to send it to the New York State's attorny for review.

She has done this 6 times already. Some of my friends in NY have already contacted me about the ad. She lives in Kansas too. Should I file a defamation of character lawsuit against her?

Should you? Only you can answer that.
Can you? Of course, since anyone can sue just about anyone for just about anything.
However, winning is another matter.

Being that the ad ran in New York mainly, (yes I have friends and family there) it was hard to determine what injuries or damages I specifically suffered. It was my impression that with a lawsuit of this type, you had to prove damages??

Normally, however libel per se is another form of libel where damages do not have to be proven to a certainty. These types of cases usually revolv around asserting someone has committed a crime. Again, without the ad there is no way to advise.

Any thoughts?

see above.

If I send the newspaper a 'cease and desist' letter, would they stop printing the ad?

very unlikely.

Also, can people funnel money through a church or synagogue to launder it and make it then tax free?

see my above comment.

Sounds like a nice scheme, as churches and synagogues take contributions and give it to supposedly needy families.

that's a matter for the New York state attorney's office.