Have you been targeted with false abuse allegations during your divorce process? These allegations may be used by one spouse to attempt to get their way with child custody or alimony issues.
Here are some of the steps you should take if such false allegations become an issue in your divorce.
- Focus on your child: Their needs should always come before yours. Do not take any action that could cause any unnecessary stress or trauma to the child. This includes avoiding saying any bad words about the other parent in front of the child, even if they have been falsely accusing you of abuse. Continue to encourage them to have a strong and loving relationship with the other parent, as difficult as it may be to do so.
- Careful who you talk to: Never talk to the police or child protective services (CPS) without your attorney present. Even if the allegations are completely false, you could still end up in a difficult situation if you do not phrase your responses perfectly. When you do speak to any authorities about the matter, always do so respectfully and politely.
- Get the right lawyer: Some divorce attorneys might have more experience than others in handling particularly combative spouses. Make sure you’ve got an attorney who is capable of handling a difficult case like yours.
- Be careful what you write: Do not post anything on social media about your spouse or pending divorce, and especially not about the false allegations. Be careful what you put into writing in texts, emails or messages, as any of it could come back to be used against you.
- Track everything: Document the conversations you have with the other spouse, and any times your child is formally or informally interviewed about their relationship with you.
These are just a few steps you can take that will make it easier for you to move past false abuse allegations. For more information about how to proceed in your case, contact an experienced Minnesota divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.