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Divorce and Defamation: What to Do When Your Ex Tries to Destroy Your Reputation

The Divorce Course Podcast

Release Date: 07/09/2025

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More Episodes

🎧 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