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What to Do When Your Ex-Spouse Attacks You Online

These days, the line between how people interact online and in their personal lives has been sufficiently blurred. Today, there’s no such thing as a difference between “in real life” and online behavior. Since most of us carry our smartphones and mobile devices with us at all times, it’s consistently possible to get online with the simple tap of a button.

Advancements in technology as they pertain to our professional and personal lives sometimes come at a cost, however. You may have already experienced some form of online harassment, bullying, name-calling, or otherwise unpleasant communication with others. This situation becomes all the more complicated when an ex-spouse is the one who’s spearheading negative information and potential untruths about you.

Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent online attacks from happening, and protect yourself and your reputation if they’ve already occurred. Use this advice to determine your next steps if and when an ex-spouse targets you in a threatening manner online.

Know the Signs

While everyone is entitled to “let off steam” now and then, it’s important to recognize when that venting escalates to the level of libelous activity and sentiments. These comments could be made on social media platforms, as a letter to the editor submission to a local newspaper’s website, private messaging, and similar.

Often, it can be difficult to decide whether statements made online are considered opinion or fact. The trouble is, and as mentioned, that dividing line can be very difficult to draw. In addition, many people will accept anything they read online as fact, which could place you in an uncomfortable situation.

If you believe you’ve been defamed online by an ex-spouse, it’s a good idea to contact a trusted and reputable lawyer in Daytona Beach who can help you determine your next legal steps.

Avoid Escalation or Retaliation

Sustaining an online attack can be a traumatic experience. Since, as mentioned, our online lives are now so closely intertwined with how we behave and react in person, it can be difficult not to defend yourself if and when you’re faced with libelous statements. Still, it’s paramount that you practice restraint and avoid at all costs escalation or retaliation.

Instead, you can often anonymously report improper behavior to the online outlet where the sentiments were posted. In the case of social media, most platforms have a straight-forward process for reporting. You can also contact the website owner directly and request the content in question be immediately removed.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that this material will ever disappear, or that friends, co-workers, and loved ones haven’t already been affected by (and formed opinions on) the displayed content. Now’s the time to team with Volusia County lawyers who can act as advocates on your behalf, and help protect your reputation from sustaining further damage.  

Document Harassment Examples

In fact, rather than reacting at all to online defamation, a better use of your time would be to document all instances in which you feel your good name has been sullied. This can be accomplished through screenshots, printed materials, and storing digital data in your smartphone or mobile device. Strive to retain an original copy that cannot be deleted or altered by either the person making the threats/accusations or a third party.

If you’re currently involved in divorce proceedings or feel that recent events and actions warrant a re-determination of your marriage, it’s wise to contact Daytona Beach divorce attorneys who can provide you with valuable insight, information, and advocacy on your best next steps to move forward.

Consult an Attorney

As part of this process, it’s best to select Daytona Beach divorce lawyers with a proven track record of success and a solid reputation in the community. This provides you with the peace of mind that your case is being taken seriously, and that you’ll be provided with sound legal guidance every step of the way.

Since 1983, we’ve represented countless Central Florida residents just like you with a variety of legal needs. That includes divorce and family law, business and corporate law, criminal defense, and more. We’re also well known as a premier personal injury attorney in Daytona Beach. Contact us today with all your legal questions, and to learn how you can protect yourself from existing online defamation.