Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

What are our rights when the ex-wife will not co-operate?

I have recently married a man who is divorced with 2 children. His ex-wife (from what I have heard) has always been difficult to deal with, however has become increasingly more difficult since my husband and I began dating. I have begun communicating with her in an attempt to ''settle her down'', however I am now trying to discontinue this as it seems to have worsened the situation. She is constantly trying to make us look bad in front to the children, turn everything that we do into something that will make us look bad and continues to contact my husband at work, yell at him and contact me via email, lecture me or provoke me with written words. We have tried every possible way to work with her, but she still continues to not respond in a positive manner. I really don't want to ignore her or argue with her, and for the benefit of the children would like to have a good relationship with her. What legal recourse (if any) do we have to make her understand that bullying, verbal abuse and manipulation will not help the situation? Thank you in advance for your suggestions.


Asked on 12/16/02, 12:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thaddeus Hunt Law Offices of Thaddeus Hunt

Re: What are our rights when the ex-wife will not co-operate?

Legally there is always something that you can do. However the question is whether a legal solution will exacerbate the situation.

Can you get a protective order? Of course. If she is saying things in public and besmirching your reputation I suppose you could make an argument for defamation and libel.

A protective order would offer the benefit of a court order with the threat of fines or jail time if she attempts to contact you.

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Answered on 12/16/02, 2:14 pm


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