Slandering a school teacher

[bocabum]

What is the name of your state? Florida

Going through an ugly divorce and the soon-to-be ex is bad mouthing me big time!

Aside from the usual bull that she's been telling everyone, including the fact that I am "brainwashing" my son, she has made some serious statements which could have a detrimental effect on my position as a highly respected school teacher. Among these comments are (1) "he has sold drugs to his students", (2) "he has bought beer for his students", (3) "he has stolen money and equipment from school", (4) "he is an alcoholic" and has also made insinuations about me having pedophiliac tendencies. None of which are true and she has absolutely no evidence to prove any of the above. She has said these things to several of my friends, co-workers and family members.

I feel that since she is messing with my livelihood that I should take action against her (would this also help me in my custody battle during divorce?). She is actually the one with the substance abuse problems (now in N.A.) and drinking problems and has also been Baker Acted twice in the past four months (suicide attempts). I know that she is desperate and grasping at straws, but I cannot just sit by and allow her to badmouth my good name.

Is this something that I can just file myself (in Palm Beach County)? How do I go about doing it and what outcomes can I expect?
-bocabum

 

[BelizeBreeze]

What is the name of your state? Florida

Going through an ugly divorce and the soon-to-be ex is bad mouthing me big time!

and you expected something else?

Aside from the usual bull that she's been telling everyone, including the fact that I am "brainwashing" my son, she has made some serious statements which could have a detrimental effect on my position as a highly respected school teacher. Among these comments are (1) "he has sold drugs to his students", (2) "he has bought beer for his students", (3) "he has stolen money and equipment from school", (4) "he is an alcoholic" and has also made insinuations about me having pedophiliac tendencies. None of which are true and she has absolutely no evidence to prove any of the above. She has said these things to several of my friends, co-workers and family members.

And making such statements is not illegal. Nor it is actionable.

I feel that since she is messing with my livelihood that I should take action against her (would this also help me in my custody battle during divorce?).

and what action would you suggest?

She is actually the one with the substance abuse problems (now in N.A.) and drinking problems and has also been Baker Acted twice in the past four months (suicide attempts). I know that she is desperate and grasping at straws, but I cannot just sit by and allow her to badmouth my good name.

o.k. don't sit there and take it. Stand there and take it.

Is this something that I can just file myself (in Palm Beach County)? How do I go about doing it and what outcomes can I expect?
-bocabum

to this point you have stated nothing that is actionable. so knock yourself out but you won't get anywhere.

 

[bocabum]

Thanks, I guess

I'm obviously not a lawyer, nor do I teach law, but in English, it seems that what I'm experiencing is the exact definition of slander.

Ah, the wonderful world of the justice system.

So, basically, do I have to wait to get fired from what she is saying before I can take any action???

 

[The Occultist]

That is correct. If you have not suffered losses/damages, then you do not really have a case.

Also, slander suits are VERY expensive, even if you win, and generally are not worth it.

 

[longsally111]

well****************************...

What is the name of your state? Florida

Going through an ugly divorce and the soon-to-be ex is bad mouthing me big time!

Aside from the usual bull that she's been telling everyone, including the fact that I am "brainwashing" my son, she has made some serious statements which could have a detrimental effect on my position as a highly respected school teacher. Among these comments are (1) "he has sold drugs to his students", (2) "he has bought beer for his students", (3) "he has stolen money and equipment from school", (4) "he is an alcoholic" and has also made insinuations about me having pedophiliac tendencies. None of which are true and she has absolutely no evidence to prove any of the above. She has said these things to several of my friends, co-workers and family members.

I feel that since she is messing with my livelihood that I should take action against her (would this also help me in my custody battle during divorce?). She is actually the one with the substance abuse problems (now in N.A.) and drinking problems and has also been Baker Acted twice in the past four months (suicide attempts). I know that she is desperate and grasping at straws, but I cannot just sit by and allow her to badmouth my good name.

Is this something that I can just file myself (in Palm Beach County)? How do I go about doing it and what outcomes can I expect?
-bocabum

Send her a letter or have your attorney do it, return recepit requested letting her know that you are aware of these comments she is making. Tell her that you will take legal action if she continues. Be very professional in your letter, no cursing, name calling etc. Make sure to get statements in writing from the people she is making the comments to. If she does not stop, then go to court and get a restraining order. Do everything by the letter of the law and in the end, it is something tht can be used against her in court. It attests to her character and moral fiber. This is important when raising a child.