Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Harassment by Ex-spouse

Many court orders provide specific parenting plans that include communication between parents. This communication is related to the child / children only. In my case, my ex-wife continually harasses me in person, via email, and phone calls. I answer her questions but she continues to interrogate me in an attempt to ''entrap'' me into saying the wrong thing. This is clearly harassing behavior but she continues to hide behind the, ''I'm only asking questions about our child'' excuse. The point being that questions about the child are fine. However, when those questions also include defamation, insults, accusations, and exaggerations directed toward me and/or my family what remedy do I have to prevent this harassment?


Asked on 8/17/05, 1:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Harassment by Ex-spouse

The legal system is not really set up very well to correct adults behaving childishly. I would first suggest to you that there is probably a practical solution to your problem, such as hanging up if your ex becomes abusive, putting her on notice that you will not continue to allow her objectionable behavior, and hopefully convince her that good behavior is rewarded. As a last resort, it may very well be that you could go to the courthouse and file an "Adult Abuse" Petition, and the Judge might sign an ex Parte restraining Order against your ex. Then you would have a court date at which the Ex Parte Order might be made more permanent. You may do this without an attorney or you may hire an attorney to represent you. Perhaps your ex really does need the Judge to tell her what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/20/05, 1:41 pm


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