Falsely Accused of Elder abuse and have had 4 cases with APS opened and close with no wrong doing found. Cops always showing up at my door doing welfare checks because my husbands sisters calling from different state. dealing with this for eight years and getting real tired. Thinking of filing law suite. Money is the center of sisters life and that seems to be what will get the point across. But don't know how to go about it.
9 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
ADVERTISEMENT
Do some research on the elements for each of these charges; what proof do you have to sustain them?
The calls to APS with false information could be slander; if anything was in writing it could be considered libelous.
What did the APS investigators say on responding? Do you have any written reports from them that you could use to refute the allegations?
Lawsuits can be filed for any reason but whether or not they're sustained is another issue. You can expect to advance a nice fat retainer for any attorney who might take the case and expect to incur filing, service and probably motion fees.
There also exists the possibility that if this SIL is aggressive she'll file a counterclaim and sue YOU for harassment. You should be prepared for that.
I also suggest that you find a litigator who would take this case (and that may be a problem) but first start with a cease and desist notice.
On another level, why is SIL doing this? Does she want to take over care of your husband herself?
If she's in another state, what is the basis for her claims? This could be an element in the suit, i.e., that she has no actual or constructive knowledge of any alleged abuse, even if it did exist. That premise could be the lead-in to the filing of false allegations and harassment.