How to Deal with a Defamation of Character

Acts of slander resulting in defamation of character are common allegations among divorced or separated couples and ex-business partners. In fact, people in general who need to do something to satisfy an unhappy situation will do this in an effort to try to get even. How do you deal with this? Can you sue for this? There are a few things you need to consider when thinking of suing for defamation and slander.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get legal advice on the whole issue of suing for defamation. There is a lot involved in this type of lawsuit and a lawyer can help you to understand the laws that pertain to such claims, and whether or not your issues can qualify as a legal claim.
2. Prove that false statements are or were put forth publicly about you. This can be someone swearing an affidavit saying that these things were told to them, having someone give testimony on the witness stand, or if the statements were put forth in writing, presenting those statements as physical proof.
3. Prove through documentation or by witness that these statements are actually false allegations and have no truth in them. Simply saying they are not true does not prove that they aren't true.
4. Prove that these statements have caused you some form of undue hardship: stress, family destruction or financial loss. In other words, you need to have suffered some kind of damage resulting from the allegations.

Tips & Warnings

• This is one area where you really need to get legal advice because a lawyer has the legal knowledge and experience to advise you on whether or not you have a legal case against a party or parties for such a claim. Proof of damage is the essential element in a lawsuit and undue hardship can be difficult to prove.
• If you phone your local courthouse, they can give you the phone number of a legal service that offers a few minutes of free legal advice.