What Happens if My Ex Makes False Accusations During a New Jersey Divorce?

False accusations often fly during contentious divorces. As spouses attempt to get the upper hand, they may denounce their exes in all kinds of different ways. False allegations of child abuse are not unheard of in custody battles. In contentious property division trials, spouses may accuse each other of concealing assets. Right away, it is important to understand that this is not a smart move. Spouses who make false accusations can experience serious legal consequences. What exactly happens when they are caught?

If your former spouse is making false accusations against you during a New Jersey divorce, you should get in touch with a divorce attorney as soon as possible. It can be extremely unsettling to face these false allegations, but our skilled legal professionals can help. When you team up with our qualified divorce attorneys, it becomes easier to make sure your spouse faces legitimate consequences for their false accusations.

Common Examples of False Allegations During a Divorce

There are many reasons why a spouse might make false allegations against an ex. They may be trying to pursue a more favorable financial outcome. They may also simply be angry and bitter about the way the marriage ended. Or perhaps they are concerned about child custody. Here are some examples of situations in which a spouse might make false accusations:

• Adultery: A spouse may falsely accuse their ex of adultery if they are pursuing a “fault-based” divorce. However, adultery rarely affects alimony in New Jersey, even if it is successfully proven. The only reason why it might be a factor is if the guilty spouse provided expensive gifts and paid for other expenses for their illicit partner.
• Substance Abuse: A spouse may falsely accuse their ex of drug abuse in child custody cases. This is usually an attempt to prove their ex is an unfit parent.
• Child Abuse: Similarly, a spouse might accuse their ex of child abuse if they wish to get the upper hand in a custody case.
• Domestic Violence: Spouses may also accuse their exes of domestic violence, and this can affect a range of potential factors in a divorce.
• Concealing Assets: You may also be falsely accused of concealing assets. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have nothing to hide.

What Consequences Might a Guilty Spouse Experience?

If it becomes clear that a spouse has been making false accusations, they may face a range of potential consequences. If they made false statements while under oath, they will most likely be charged with contempt of court. This can result in criminal charges, and in some rare cases, spouses may even be given jail sentences. Guilty spouses may also be ordered to pay the legal fees of their exes.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

 If you have been searching the New Jersey area for a qualified divorce attorney, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. We have dealt with many divorces over the years, and we are familiar with unideal situations like this. Facing false allegations can certainly be worrying, especially if you are being accused of serious misconduct. However, the age-old legal rule remains the same: You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. We can help you defend against these claims, and we can help you with virtually every other aspect of your divorce. Book your consultation today.