Divorce is tough enough as it is, but the whole process can be even more complicated when you’re dealing with someone who can’t tell the truth. Lies about the existence of marital property, business debts, substance abuse, and cohabitation can all impact important legal issues that you have to confront.
So, if you’re dealing with a habitual liar in your case, then you might be wondering what you can do to protect your interests throughout the marriage dissolution process. Fortunately, there are some things that you can keep in mind as you navigate the process which will hopefully put you on the road to a successful outcome. Let’s look at some of those things here:
- Make sure that you have the right evidence: If you suspect that your spouse is going to lie throughout your divorce proceedings, then you need to be prepared to gather evidence to contradict his or her claims. This may include obtaining financial records and reports from mental health and medical professionals who may be able to speak to your child’s needs.
- Try to minimize contact: The incessant lying can lead to extraordinary conflict, which can make your divorce more stressful and drawn-out. You certainly don’t want that, so try to avoid direct contact with your spouse as much as possible. After all, if he or she is going to lie about everything, then you’re probably not going to be able to win any arguments over the phone or via text message.
- Document everything: Another way that you can counter your spouse’s lying is by keeping a journal of every interaction that you have with him or her as well as with your children. This way you’re not just relying on your memory to contradict your spouse. Instead, you have a written record that was created at or near the time of the event in question. This can be strong evidence in your case.
- Try not to take it personally: This is hard to do, but try to view your spouse’s behavior as a personality or mental health disorder. By viewing your interactions with your spouse through this lens, you can deflate the tension and better focus on how you can navigate the issues before you.
- Stick to the facts with conviction: A compulsive liar is skilled at swaying people’s beliefs. Don’t let that happen to you, though, as it can jeopardize nearly every aspect of your post-divorce life. Instead, know the facts of your case, know what you believe in, and stick to your position regardless of what your spouse says.
- Find support: It can be mentally and emotionally taxing to have to deal with a compulsive liar during divorce. Don’t feel like you have to shoulder that burden on your own. Instead, seek out the support that you need, which may come from a mental health professional, family and friends, and an attorney.
Advocate to protect your interests
All too often, individuals who are divorcing a liar settle for far less than what they deserve simply because they want to get the process over with as quickly as possible. This is really dangerous, though. Even though it can be stressful, you shouldn’t fear dealing with your spouse and fighting for what you deserve. In fact, the process can be made easier by working with a family law professional who has experience working these sorts of cases.
If you’d like to learn more about what a legal advocate can do for you, then please consider reaching out to a firm that you think is suited to give you the aggressive representation that you deserve.