Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

My sister-in-law told her other siblings that my husband is unhappy and believes that I had to do with his unhappiness. When I found out through the family friend, I confronted her and she said she has the right to discuss with her siblings to make sure my husband is okay. I was upset and told her that he wasn't unhappy; he was tired because of very early commute to work. That's why his face looked so drawn. My husband told her he was fine, but she seemed not to believe him. I want to sue her for slander because I was embarrassed that the family friend contacted me and asked me what happened to our marriage and told me that there was a gossip about me through her ex-boyfriend who happened to be my husband's brother that upsetted me. Please advise. Thanks.


Asked on 3/30/12, 9:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

Stating an opinion, however unkind or misinformed, does not constitute slander. Slander only occurs when a speaker states a FACT they KNOW to be false (and can be proven false) which causes damage.

It may be distressing to hear others think that you somehow contribute to someone's unhappiness. However, perhaps the best (non-legal) reaction is to prove their suspicions wrong by focusing on maintaining a good relationship with your spouse...

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Answered on 3/31/12, 12:35 pm


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