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Slanderes Ex-Daughter-in-law

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vanana

Junior Member
What is the name of your state?undefinedWhat is the name of your state? New Jersey - I have an x daughter-in-law who I believe is slandering my name. I believe this because on two (2) occassions she said things to my son accusing me of over indulging in alcohol in the presence of my grand daughters. Since she had no trouble accusing me to my son, I believe that she is having no trouble repeating these accusations to any one that will listen. Can I file a slander suit against her?
 


stephenk

Senior Member
"I believe that she is having no trouble repeating these accusations to any one that will listen."

Is this a belief or do you have evidence she has told others about your drinking in front of the kids?

Do you drink alcohol in front of the grandkids?
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes Ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - Unfortunately I have no evidence of her repeating these accusations to "any on that will listen". My son and I have been very discreet when we are w/the girls. He has actually stopped drinking. I on the other hand will have a drink or two, if at a gathering of family & friends, but never to the point of obvious drunken behavior. I always drive myself home with no concern of being over the limit (as to blood alcohol) and have never driven my grandchildren home if I have had a drink. I think what I want to do is send her a letter from a lawyer warning her that if she continues to make these unfound accusations that a law suit will follow.
 

cbg

I'm a Northern Girl
If you do drink in front of your grandchildren, it is not slander to say so.

To have a claim for slander, you need all three of the following elements:

1.) Proof that what was said is false or negligent

2.) Proof that the false or negligent statement was broadcast to an audience

3.) Proof that you have suffered damages, as the law sees damages, because of this statement.

The burden of proof is on you.

Based on what you have posted, you might, depending on EXACTLY what was said, have a weak claim to the first one, if you really, really stretch it. Nothing in your post suggests that you could prove either the second or the third.
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes Ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - Her statement of slander was not that I drink in front of the children. She accused me of attending a graduation under the influence and that was totally false! I would never do that! I will not be able to prove anything under items 2 & 3. I just want to have a lawyer send her a letter of warning. As a matter of fact I went ahead and made an appointment for a consultation.
 

stephenk

Senior Member
she only told your son that she believes you were drunk at a school graduation? you can't prevent her from talking about you to him. tell your son to grow a spine and tell his ex to stop the talk instead of running to you to whine about it. the fact that your son has a drinking problem tells more about the situation than I believe you are letting on.
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes Ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - YOU ARE TOO KIND! Of course there's more to the story.
 

cbg

I'm a Northern Girl
Well, we can only respond to what you post. We're not mind-readers.

No one is telling you that you can't have a lawyer write her a letter. What we are telling you is that on the basis of what you have posted, you do not have a case for slander.
 

pammness

Member
Spiteful words

Sounds like the ex daughter-in-law is being spiteful and trying to pi$$ off you and your son. I would in this case, ignore her and not drink around anyone that she may in contact with. Best to try NOT to give her a reason to gossip. A letter from an attorney is expensive and will not be effective since it's really considered hear-say.... You have the he said/ she said thing going on.
She may be trying to build something to try to keep you all from the kids, DON"T give her a reason.
Without any proof.... You would be wasting your money. Good Luck Hun and God Speed..... :D
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes Ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - I understand that. It angered me when it was assumed that my son has no spine and is whining to me. 1. He did not tell me what his wife said - his girlfriend did. 2. He doesn't even know that I am online looking for advice. 3. I've raised 5 boys all of whom are their own men. 4. Even though I have limited funds I've offered to help him w/$ matters - he has refused.
6. His ex never comes to court without her parents, brother, boyfriend & sister. 7. My son goes to court w/his girlfriend. 8. Because I do not want to lower myself to his ex's character I will not go thru the litany of the whole story. 9. I have no intention of filing a suit against her for slander after taking the kind advice of some. You don't have to be a mind reader to have some empathy and not jump to conclusions. If anyone needs more information to give constructive advice they should communicate that. Although this matter has gone far beyond what I expected I would like to thank you for your advice. I have been able to decide what I will do.
 

cbg

I'm a Northern Girl
If you're looking for a explanation of general legal concepts, you're in the right place.

If you're looking for someone to hold your hand and tell you what a shame it is that she's doing this, that's what Dear Abby is for.

Don't mix the two up.
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - To: Pammness Thank you so much. It sounds like you get what I'm trying to relay. You're are right about what she is trying to do. I know that in my heart but it is so hard not to want to lash back. I don't like having these feelings of wanting to "not only getting even but getting ahead". She is now in defience of a "court order" to sign off on an equity loan my son is trying to get under his own name to pay her off monies that she says is due her. My son made the mistake of paying for all the household bills during the seperation and before any court order came down for support and alimony. His caseworker told him it was a mistake and that he has no recourse but to pay her twice. In addition, she's dragging him back into court because he hasn't paid her!! Court date was set during the week he had planned to take his girls on a trip. As a result, the trip has to be cancelled. I believe she will never agree to the trip and is trying her best to quelch it. Again, I thank you for your kindness and know that what you said is right. Thank you for your support.
 

vanana

Junior Member
Slanderes ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey - To: CBG You might want to go over the communications regarding this subject. Stephenk, it seems to me, made some remarks that were not of a legal nature. If he wants to continue to make such harsh statements maybe he should get a column and give up his senior position in the advice forum.
 

cbg

I'm a Northern Girl
I'm only responsible for my own posts. If you have a problem with Stephenk, take it up with him, not me.

My point is that the purpose of these boards is to provide legal information, and the law is not necessarily compassionate.
 

vanana

Junior Member
slanderes ex-daughter-in-law

undefinedNew Jersey I get the purpose of these boards and also know that the law is not compasionate from first hand experience. I have no argument w/you except that you assumed I was using the forum as an advice column for something other than legalities. That was not my intention.
 
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