If I am writing a book about my life, can someone sue me for telling the truth?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If I am writing a book about my life, can someone sue me for telling the truth?

Can my dad or ex-boyfriends sue me for telling the truth? Everyone has been telling my story and talking about me like I have no say so.

Asked on April 28, 2012 under Personal Injury, Virginia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If you are only telling the truth, that is not defamation, since defamation is the public stating(including in a book) of untrue facts which damage a person's reputation. Of course, if somene believes, or wants to assert, that what you said was false, he or she could sue you and you'd have to defend yourself; in the lawsuit, you'd have the opportunity to present evidence of truthfulness. So only writing the truth in theory means you will not be liable for defamation, but it does not guaranty you won't be sued--it doesn't even guaranty you would not be liable for defamation, if you cannot prove the truth of your assertions. Assume that if what you write is embarassing enough, there's at least some chance someone will try to sue you, even if what you write is true.

Also, do not reveal anything which was told to you only because you had agreed to keep it confidential, since doing so could be breach of contract (the agreement to keep the information confidential). And do not reveal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, etc.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption