Some people are fortunate enough to have good relationships with their in-laws—but that isn’t the case for everyone. Meddling in-laws can make a divorce harder than it needs to be by interjecting opinions, making harassing phone calls and interfering with your childcare and visitation plans. What can you do when your ex’s family won’t stay out of your divorce?
Talk to Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer First
Your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer has likely dealt with nosy in-laws, meddling friends and other parties running interference in other divorce cases. While most of these outsiders are well-intentioned, they aren’t always on your team.
Let your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer know if your in-laws are wreaking havoc in your already-tumultuous divorce. If your ex’s family is threatening or harassing you, tell your lawyer immediately. As an attorney, he or she might be able to take legal action to make your life easier.
Talk to Your Ex
Let your ex know that his or her family is overstepping their bounds. Like with any communication between you, keep it civil and professional—no throwing around accusations or bringing up the past.
Saying “Your mother is bothering me just like she did while we were married” will probably just start a fight, which is counter-productive. Try saying something like, “Your mom called and wanted to know why (insert the issue here). Do you think you could talk to her about it? She might understand better if it’s coming from you.”
Avoid Interacting with People Who Drag You Down
If it’s at all possible, simply avoid picking up the phone when your ex’s family calls. When you do need to answer, try the strategy you use with your ex: “Do you think you could talk to (your ex) about it? He or she might be able to explain it better than I can.”
Sometimes avoidance is tough; if they’re your childcare providers, for example, you’ll have to deal with them. You can politely ask them to keep their discussions with you limited to the kids and ask that they discuss the divorce with their own child. Though that doesn’t always work, it’s worth a shot.
When to Call Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer
Sometimes in-laws just ignore requests for them to stay out of your divorce. Before you get angry and say things you might regret, call your lawyer and ask if he or she can do anything about the constant interference. If the harassment is severe enough to warrant legal action, your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer will know exactly what to do.
