Husband's ex-wife is harassing me

[mraustin]

My husband is the custodial parent of his two young kids here in IL; the ex lives in FL and only sees them about 3 times a year. She calls somewhat regularly during the week to talk to the kids, which was at our insistence. She is now calling my boss (my husband and I are both military, ex-wife is civilian and her new husband is military), and saying that I am talking badly about her in the background while she is talking to her kids, etc.

My question is this: Is she allowed to repeatedly call my workplace and directly make accusations and comments about me; doesn't that constitute defamation of character or slander? I don't believe that if I was a civilian, that that would be tolerated by the employer, and I'm not sure why my chain of command is allowing it. I assume that if she does have issue with me that she should take it up with my husband, or her lawyer, or at the worst, my husband's chain of command. I, as the stepmother, have absolutely no legal rights or say regarding the kids, so why is she able to slander me while I raise her children for her?
Base legal will not give me any advice other than "consult an attorney", but my husband and I have already been robbed by one recently, so I balk at the idea of shelling out more money so soon.

Thank you in advance for your time.

[aaron]

You have a complication, in that this is an interstate custody problem. You may wish to consult with a Florida lawyer about seeking some form of injunction or restraining order under the laws of that state, or try to determine if such an order might be issued by the trial court which issued the custody decision.

[mraustin]

To make sure that I understand your reply correctly:

- I should contact FL courts for restraining order, etc., since she resides in FL?

- I should contact the trial courts (in Ohio, since that is where their divorce/custody order was done and remains there) to file a motion regarding her slandering me?

Thank you again.

The Mrs West

[aaron]

- I should contact FL courts for restraining order, etc., since she resides in FL?

You would likely benefit from consulting a Florida lawyer about your rights and remedies under the laws of that state.

- I should contact the trial courts (in Ohio, since that is where their divorce/custody order was done and remains there) to file a motion regarding her slandering me?

The Ohio court won't care about you being slandered, as such, but it may well be willing to order that she refrain from certain conduct which actually or potentially could affect the best interests and welfare of the children. It's not the most direct path, and it is possible that you would find yourself without remedy in that court.