Can you sue your spouse for defamation of character?

Can you sue your spouse for defamation of character?

A lawsuit based on defamation can only exist when a false statement is made. You may be able to file a lawsuit for libel or slander against your ex-spouse for statements made on their own time. For example, if your spouse or child’s other parent writes and posts a lie on social media it may be grounds for a lawsuit.

Is it worth suing for libel?

When someone says something that damages your reputation, it might be worthwhile to sue for defamation. “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation and only one bad one to lose it,” according to Benjamin Franklin. Defamation law recognizes this.

Who has the burden of proof in a libel case?

In a defamation case the onus is on the plaintiff to prove their reputation has been damaged by information being communicated or published. The legal test used to determine whether a statement is defamatory is whether in the eyes of a “reasonable person” the plaintiff’s reputation has been lowered.

Are libel cases hard to win?

When it comes to lawsuits, a defamation case can be very challenging. For example, unless you hire an attorney who works on a pro bono basis, this type of lawsuit can be costly. The reason for this is that to win, there is a lot of fact-finding involved, which often requires the assistance of an expert.

When can you sue someone for libel?

In order for a statement to be libelous it need only reach any person other than yourself: a large audience is not necessary. It is very difficult to sue for defamation and you will need a lawyer to assist you in court. To prove slander, you must show that the statements were heard by a third party.

How hard is it to sue for libel?

How Difficult Is It to Sue for Slander? Unlike libel, which is a written form of defamation, slander is spoken defamation, making it harder to prove. In addition, you must also show the person defaming you was at least negligent with the truth or falsity of the statement.

How do you prove libel?

To prove either type of a defamation lawsuit, plaintiffs must prove the following elements:The defendant made a false and defamatory statement concerning the plaintiff;The defendant made the defamatory statement to a third party knowing it was false (or they should have known it was false); and.Weitere Einträge…•