How to Notify Someone of Slander

Send notifications of slander by certified mail so the recipient must sign for them.

Slander is defined legally as the spoken defamation of a person or business. Acts of slander may cause an individual emotional or financial damage by affecting the victim's reputation within the community, workforce or peer group. In order for a person or business entity to be sued for slander, the statement must be harmful, false and presented to a third party. Some states require potential plaintiffs to notify the person or entity they are planning to sue of the slander prior to filing a lawsuit.

Instructions

1. Identify the person or business you believe has committed slander against you. Obtain contact information, primarily the mailing address.

2. Compose a letter to the person or business you believe has slandered you. Keep the information factual, listing the date and approximate time the slander occurred, as well as what was said. Explain why the statement is slander and inform the recipient of your intentions regarding the incident, for instance, that you want a public apology or will sue.

3. Print off several copies of the letter and have them notarized. Keep a copy for your records and at least two copies for each recipient.

4. Mail two copies of the letter to each recipient. Send one through the regular postal service with delivery confirmation and the other as a certified letter for which the recipient will have to sign. This documents that the letters have been received and you have notified the person you are accusing of slander.

Tips & Warnings

• Laws vary by state. Check your state law to make sure you are not required to perform a specific process in order to officially notify someone of slander.

References

• US Legal: Slander Law and Legal Definitions
• The Florida Senate: Statute 770.01