Can I sue my step son for manipulating my husband into divorcing me?
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Can I sue my step son for manipulating my husband into divorcing me?
I’ve been married for 22 years. My stepson has disliked me the entire time we were married. From age 12, he would bad mouth me to neighbors and my friends. One month prior to my husband telling me that he no longer wants to be married, my stepson wrote him with several reasons why he should divorce me and using his children to manipulate him. Thoughout our years together, I can’t remember a time my husband stood up to him. Is there something that I can do?
Asked on June 20, 2018 under Family Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, you cannot sue your stepson for this. There is no legal cause of action or claim against someone for telling another person to do or not do something:
1) Your stepson has the legal right to his opinion and to voice it--there is no liability for doing what you legally may do.
2) Your husband made the decision to divorce--your stepson did not control him or force him to do this. Because your husband made the decision and your stepson had no actual legal control or authority over what he did, from the law's point of view, your stepson did not cause the divorce--you don't "cause" things you had no power over.
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