Why you shouldn’t make false accusations – even during divorce

False accusations happen surprisingly often in divorces. One of the most common scenarios is the woman accusing the man of domestic violence in an attempt to legally force him out of the house and increase the woman’s chances of being awarded sole custody. However, false accusations go both ways and can include accusations regarding hiding assets, substance abuse and infidelity.

While it may seem like a quick way to get a leg up in family law proceedings, making false accusations always backfires. Here are just a few of the ways it can have a negative impact on your divorce, both during and after.

Your court case

Lies have a way of coming to light, especially in the court system where everything is subject to evidence, witness testimony and intense scrutiny and challenge from the other party’s legal team. If the judge finds out that you lied to attempt to cast your ex in a bad light or further your own interests, it can permanently impact your case and your reputation.

Your co-parenting relationship with your ex

Eventually the dust will settle, and you will have to figure out a way to civilly and peacefully co-parent with your ex. Divorce is difficult enough as it is, but if you’ve made false accusations about your ex in the process, it can further decrease the level of trust and cause even more anger and hurt feelings. Your ex may be less likely to cooperate with switching days if needed, and depending on the circumstances, it can create a high-conflict situation where your ex doesn’t want to communicate with you and the courts have to intervene.

Your children

Any time you aren’t getting along with your ex, it’s going to affect the children. It’s common for children to feel like they have to choose sides, and they may feel like they are being disloyal to one parent if they enjoy spending time with the other. Making false accusations against your ex only makes these feelings worse. Your children are likely to find out about the accusations at some point, and it can be extremely hurtful to them. It will undermine the trust they have in you as a parent, as well as impact on your ability to present to them a positive and honest role model.