IL divorce lawyerWhen legitimate instances of domestic abuse or child abuse occur, they are serious matters that need to be investigated and handled appropriately. Unfortunately, however, allegations of violence and abuse are easy to make, especially during high-conflict situations such as divorce. Spouses often make false allegations in an effort to get revenge or to seek full custody of children, and while these false allegations may ultimately be disproven, the target of the allegations often suffers anyway. If you are getting divorced and you are worried false allegations may become part of the process, get help from an assertive Illinois divorce attorney who has experience dealing with high-conflict divorce.

Warning Signs that Your Spouse May Make False Allegations of Abuse

Certain types of people are more likely to make false allegations of abuse during divorce, and it is important that you understand if your spouse is one of these people. Psychologists define high-conflict people with “Cluster B” personality disorders as having some or all the following:

  • Unmanaged emotions, such as uncontrolled angry outbursts
  • All-or-nothing thinking
  • Extreme behaviors, such as extreme jealousy or controlling behavior
  • Narcissist, borderline, or antisocial personality disorders

You likely already know whether your spouse exhibits these types of behaviors – you may even be getting divorced because of them. It is important to know that high-conflict people often escalate their behaviors when faced with loss or abandonment. They may engage in hostile acts that are intended to save the relationship, while actually having the opposite effect. They may do things that seem utterly irrational and that are likely to backfire, but it is important to anticipate these behaviors and to prepare yourself for their possibility.

What To Do if a Spouse Makes False Allegations of Abuse

If you have pictures, texts, or other evidence to dispute your spouse’s allegations, this is often the easiest way to disprove false accusations. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case – after all, who would ever think to document proof that they did not abuse someone? Oftentimes, the best defense against false accusations comes down to your behavior following the accusations. Experts recommend:

  • Taking the accusations seriously, even if they seem absurd
  • Cooperating fully with any investigations into your behavior
  • Carefully following any protective orders issued against you
  • Behaving politely and respectfully towards investigators, judges, guardians ad litem, or custody evaluators
  • Acting with honesty and integrity
  • Gathering witness testimony contradicting the false allegations
  • Never contacting your ex or responding to their efforts to goad you into reacting
  • Staying off of social media

With the help of skilled legal counsel, you can prove the allegations against you are false and may even be able to hold your spouse accountable for their behavior. Depending on the severity of the allegations, they may be charged with perjury, fines, contempt of court, and loss of the custody they were fighting so hard to obtain.

Contact an Aggressive DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

If your spouse is making false accusations of abuse against you during divorce, you need an attorney who will take off the gloves and fight for your parental and individual rights. False accusations are serious and need to be handled with a firm, assertive response. Get help from the experienced Burr Ridge divorce attorneys with Botti Marinaccio, LTD. and do not let your ex’s allegations ruin your life. Call us today at 630-575-8585.

 

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/5-types-people-who-can-ruin-your-life/202106/protecting-yourself-while-divorcing-high-conflict

 

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