Divorce and Defamation: Staying Strong When They’re Spreading Lies
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You…
💔 You’re worried your ex is badmouthing you during divorce
⚖️ Want to know how false allegations and smear campaigns affect family court
🧠 Need strategies to protect your mental health from the gossip
📚 Want practical legal and emotional steps to respond to defamation
😢 Feel isolated because family and friends are believing lies
💬 Need to know how to gather evidence if your ex spreads false stories at work, school, or online
Episode Summary:
Are you worried your ex is trying to destroy your reputation during your divorce? In this episode, we unpack how smear campaigns and defamation show up in family law – from gossiping with family and friends to spreading lies at school, work, or even on social media.
Laura and her mum Lyn (a seasoned family lawyer) discuss why some exes resort to these tactics, how it can impact custody and property settlements, and what you can do emotionally and legally to protect yourself.
This episode is your roadmap to staying calm, gathering evidence, and keeping your credibility intact when you feel like your name is being dragged through the mud.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, false allegations, and reputational attacks.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is general discussion only and not legal advice. Always seek advice from a lawyer for your situation.
⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Discuss
00:00 – Introduction: Why your ex might be defaming you
02:00 – What is a smear campaign and how common is it?
05:00 – The difference between venting and defamation in family law
07:30 – Why exes use defamation: custody, property, and control
10:00 – How family and friends are manipulated in smear campaigns
14:00 – What to do when you lose family and friend support
17:00 – Smear campaigns at school: teachers, parents, and staff
20:00 – Handling false claims with doctors, psychologists, and professionals
23:00 – When your ex tries to sabotage you at work
28:00 – Social media slander: how to respond and gather evidence
34:00 – False allegations in affidavits, court reports, and legal documents
38:00 – Practical steps to protect yourself emotionally and legally
42:00 – Why staying silent can protect your credibility in court
47:00 – Final thoughts: Focus on your case, not public opinion
🔑 Key Topics Discussed
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Why smear campaigns happen during divorce
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The Family Law Act definition of family violence and coercive control
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Defamation vs. venting: what’s legally actionable
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How to document false allegations for court
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Setting boundaries with family, friends, and professionals
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When to seek legal advice for defamation and injunctions
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Emotional strategies to protect your mental health
📌 Links & Resources Mentioned
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1800 RESPECT – Domestic Violence Support: 1800respect.org.au
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Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): 13 11 14
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Episodes Mentioned in this Podcast Episode
Narcisisst Playbook in Divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0r7udkSJm30looYILBiNIL?si=_wp6ONRhRHGlwH9gKJvuMQ
Is it family violence
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5cflNozwnWTSfqAQTjMspg?si=2Xe3F0KXTzeETCQhZ74wIw
Your child's school and divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4u5SkU2R2DY0U1uyQfi7Cs?si=a5q_r3tgRs2I00S48OZXtA
Narcissistic Ex tells lies in Court, Mediation etc Seven Tips
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SdkXhj3vC2tfO3gDdkM6y?si=SYFT9JQ-Qziug0agbertog
Is your ex telling lies in the Family Court
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OpAGxXfx78iAO81TMPPxJ?si=_GAl64-WQtiks2pb6Tlh8g
DARVO: 8 ways to protect yourself in court
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JyfH5fCoqrUoxeDj6jCtu?si=a45z9W2WRe-yRCAy10bIRw
10 essential boundaries for a healthier divorce
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ecDTxw4rTc3zXBkcjuYpA?si=7uT3sL5EQySxdUttlMk0Kg
Navigating Parental Trash Talking
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bxqn5I6B1HCzO9r0zKnxY?si=qjg7VTrDQw-FBu0IJOJUcQ
🆘 Support Services
💜 Women’s Shelter Service: 1800 811 811
⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit your state’s Legal Aid website
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): 13 11 14
👨👦 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
🚨 National DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT
✅ “Divorce and Defamation: Staying Strong When They’re Spreading Lies”
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