Divorce and Defamation: What to Do When Your Ex Tries to Destroy Your Reputation
Release Date: 07/09/2025
The Divorce Course Podcast
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info_outline🎧 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? You’re not alone. 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 Lynne (a seasoned family lawyer) share 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.
00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
01:35 Understanding Smear Campaigns in Divorce
03:57 Defamation vs. Venting: Key Differences
04:45 Motivations Behind Smear Campaigns in Divorce
07:32 Family and Friends: Navigating Smear Campaigns in Divorce
14:04 School and Community: Protecting Your Reputation during divorce
19:54 Dealing with Professionals and Legal Implications during divorce
22:54 Workplace Challenges and Solutions during Divorce
25:48 Navigating Workplace and Family Law
27:02 Social Media Smear Campaigns during Divorce
31:07 Handling False Accusations in Family Court
36:37 Practical Steps for Self-Protection during Divorce
39:48 Defamation and Divorce
43:58 Maintaining Dignity and Focus During Divorce
Resources
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
🆘 Emergency & Support Contacts:
💜 Women’s Shelter: 1800 811 811
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis): 13 11 14
👨👧 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
🚨 DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Divorce and Defamation:What to Do When Your Ex Tries to Destroy Your Reputation