QUESTION
Is there anything I can do if my ex husband is harassing me?
Asked on Dec 01st, 2013 on Criminal Law - Nebraska
More details to this question:
My ex husband is harassing me and I am trying to figure out if I have grounds to do anything. He filed a motion against me to stop paying maintenance that was full of lies and told me that I'd be hurting my children if I hired a lawyer. I hired a lawyer and he dropped the motion but became even more abusive via email and texts. He is constantly sending abusive texts - swearing and calling me names. I can't block him because we have two children and often need to be able to quickly communicate. I respond with "I don't swear at you. Please don't swear at me." His response is "F*** you!" Yesterday he texted me from out of the blue with a quote that one of my friends recognized as being from a private email conversation that she and I had had over a year ago. I went to my email and realized that in May of this year, he forwarded private email threads from my email account to his. I don't know at this time whether he hacked into my account or was in my home when I wasn't there (he still had a key) that seems illegal, though. I am always restrained and polite even when responding to emails that are full of vitriol. But I am tired. And I want to feel safe. Isn't it illegal to enter my home or my email without my permission? Is there a way to stop the constant harassment? Is there anything I can do?
13 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
Yes get a lawyer and go back to court for an order prohibiting this behavior. if he keeps it up the judge can put him in jail.
Answered on Dec 10th, 2013 at 4:12 AM
Yes, you can go the local police station and file for a restraining order. Once a restraining order is issued, if he violates the order, you can call the police and they will come out and arrest him.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:25 PM
Go to the courthouse and fill out the papers for a temporary restraining order. You will need to show that there are at least three incidents where he harassed you or your children. Change your locks to all your doors. Report all the incidents to the police. Keep a record of the incidents including a description, date, and time.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
File a report with the police. Also, get a no contact order from the court.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:24 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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You will have to engage an attorney and seek and order to control him, to the extent possible, if necessary. Keep copies of the abusive communications and DO NOT respond in the same manner, as the court will be looking for the adult in the relationship to favor. At least change your password on your electronic accounts and email. He is not allowed in the home and if you were awarded the exclusive use of the residence in the decree or order then change the locks.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Social Security Disability Attorney serving Melbourne, FL
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Law Office of Robert E. McCall
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Talk to your attorney. 2. File complaint with local Police Department.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Business Law Attorney serving Bingham Farms, MI
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James T. Weiner, P.C.
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I suggest you get a Personal Protection Order against his harassment.. You really need one.. his actions in breaking in to your house, and/or hacking your email are potentially both felonies.. (hacking email is a federal offense) Now this will cut off his access to you and it could potentially be a very good thing so it might allow you to file for sole legal and physical custody because of his harassment. You really need to hire a good family law attorney locally to give you advise.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:22 PM
Dispute Resolution Attorney serving Seattle, WA
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Law Offices of Helene Ellenbogen P.S.
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Yes, first, change your locks. This should have been done a long time ago. Second, you can file a petition for a protection order/anti harassment order and be very specific about what all he has done. You don't need to call him over child issues except in emergencies if you have a reasonable parenting plan. He isn't there to help you. He get's the kids as specified in the parenting plan and if you need help any other time, get it elsewhere.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:21 PM
CALL THE POLICE and report the behavior. Show them the texts, usually at a minimum, they will call and yell at him.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorney serving Ventura, CA
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Zahn Law Office
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If he is sending harassing emails, then you might have grounds for a restraining order. As for the forwarding of your emails, I am not sure but it may be a crime. You can contact the police to see if he has committed any criminal activity, but I am guessing it would difficult, if not impossible to prove. Your case sounds like it needs to have all communication through Our Family Wizard, which allows the Judge to view the messages. This usually leads to more civil communication, but not always. I have found, however, that if one party is abusive, it can have an impact on the custody orders.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:20 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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File a motion for an anti-harassment protection order. With those facts, you should get one. You say that you have an attorney. Have you showed these texts to your attorney? I am surprised that your attorney has sought a protection order for you.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:20 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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You could try and get a protective order. Bring and attach copies of the texts to the petition. You could also try and modify the custody arrangement based on his behavior. Talk with your attorney about it.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:19 PM
Domestic Relations Attorney serving Omaha, NE
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Diane L. Berger
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You can file for an harassment protection order.
Answered on Dec 03rd, 2013 at 8:19 PM