What should I do if accused of lying in family court?

What to Do If Accused of Lying in Family Court

Don’t Panic – Get Legal Help

If you don’t already have one, contact a family law attorney immediately. False accusations of lying happen often in contentious cases like custody battles or divorce. An experienced lawyer can help advise you on the best legal strategy.

Some things a lawyer can do:

• Review the accusation and any evidence behind it
• Advise you on potential defenses and legal options
• Represent you in court if needed

Having an attorney in your corner will help ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Understand Why You’re Being Accused

In family court, people may accuse others of lying for a few key reasons:

• To discredit you as a witness
• To cast doubt on your testimony or evidence
• As a legal strategy or negotiation tactic
• Out of anger, resentment, or emotion

Whatever the reason, false accusations can negatively impact your case if left unanswered. Your attorney can help craft a rebuttal and defense.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Case

Work with your lawyer to pull together documents, records, photos, videos, or witness statements that corroborate your version of events. Some examples could include:

• Receipts proving your location at a certain time
• Text messages or emails backing up your communications
• Sworn statements from people who know the truth
• Police reports from relevant incidents
• Medical records about injuries or abuse

Having solid evidence to disprove false allegations can be key to defending yourself in court. An attorney can help ensure the evidence is admissible.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Consider Filing a Defamation Lawsuit

If the false accusations against you are extremely damaging, your lawyer may recommend filing a civil lawsuit for defamation of character or slander. This involves proving:

• The person made a false statement about you
• They knew the statement was false or recklessly disregarded the truth
• The statement caused you measurable financial loss or harm

A defamation lawsuit can be complex, but may be worthwhile if the accusations severely hurt your reputation or livelihood outside of the family court case. An attorney can advise if you have grounds to sue.

Ask For Sanctions Against False Accusers

In egregious cases where someone deliberately lied to the court, you can ask the judge to impose sanctions like:

• Striking false testimony from the record
• Blocking the presentation of fabricated evidence
• Ordering the accuser to pay fines or your legal fees
• Jail time for perjury

Your lawyer can request sanctions and argue the accusations were made in bad faith just to gain advantage in the case. Judges frown upon dishonest tactics.

Remain Calm and Composed in Court

No matter how angry or upset false allegations make you, do your best to stay calm in the courtroom. Lashing out or displaying outrage can work against you. Let your lawyer do the talking and stick to the facts. Keep your emotions in check.

Answer questions from your attorney or the judge clearly and honestly. Do not get defensive or accusatory. Present yourself as credible. Inconsistencies or lies will only make your situation worse.

Staying cool under pressure can help convince the court you are telling the truth. Your lawyer can help prepare you for questioning.

Be Cautious When Settling

If the case moves toward settlement, be wary of accepting unfavorable terms just to make false allegations go away. An attorney can advise if the proposed agreement is in your best interests long-term.

Don’t let desperation or fear push you into a bad deal. You have options to defend yourself. Any settlement should be fair and reasonable under the circumstances.

Get Counseling Support If Needed

Being accused of lying, especially about something personal like your family or children, can take an emotional toll. The stress may affect your mental health. Consider speaking to a counselor or therapist for coping strategies. They can also serve as a witness vouching for your character, if needed.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help processing this difficult experience. You don’t have to go through it alone. Confide in trusted friends and family too. Their support can make a big difference.