Emotional Distress Caused by an Ex Before Divorce

In the process of going through a divorce, things can get ugly, and emotions brought by emotional distress caused by an ex during the divorce can run wild. Both sides may say or do things they later come to regret. You may be able to sue your ex for emotional distress, though, if their behavior is so egregious.

Financial recuperation from emotional anguish is a difficult task. It will be your responsibility to demonstrate that the defendant, your ex-spouse, acted in an absurd way that seriously damaged your feelings. Even though your spouse’s actions were wrong and unpleasant, they might not be legally actionable. State laws also differ greatly on this matter.

It is advisable to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer right away if you believe your spouse’s actions were so severe that you could have a strong case. This article will provide you with an overview of the elements of a successful emotional distress claim in the interim.

Was there a deliberate attempt to cause emotional distress?

It is not sufficient to file a lawsuit against your ex-spouse based just on the feeling that their actions were unjustified and hurtful.

On the other hand, let’s say your ex-partner mistreated you and your kids physically or in other ways. Under certain circumstances, you may have a strong case for emotional discomfort. Charges with a crime may also be necessary.

The legal notion of deliberate infliction of emotional distress serves as the foundation for the majority of emotional distress claims made after a divorce. It may also be possible in some states to make an argument for negligent infliction of emotional distress.

one independent cause of action, negligent infliction of emotional distress frequently pertains to circumstances in which one individual saw another person being abused. This could happen, for instance, if you saw your partner abusing a loved one at home.

Nevertheless, a few states including North Carolina do not even acknowledge careless infliction of emotional distress as a legitimate basis for a lawsuit. It is likely that you will have to assert that you intentionally caused emotional distress. Naturally, you should notify the authorities right away of any behavior that crosses the line into criminality.

In order to prove deliberate infliction of mental distress, you often need to provide evidence of all the following:

1. Abrupt and Brutal Behavior
2. Carelessness or a Desire to Cause Anxiety
3. Intensity
4. Critical thinking
5. Changing Law and the Veracity of Your Claim

1. Abrupt and Brutal Behavior

It’s a tall order to fulfill. Be it rudeness or insults, these are not regarded as severe or provocative.Behavior has to cross all lines of propriety in order to reach this level. It must be so horrible that it is not tolerated in a civilized society. For example, the Supreme Court decided that after her ex-husband mistreated her, the wife could file a lawsuit for mental distress. Violent threats that have some merit can also escalate into acts of excessive and outrageous behavior that is intolerable to any rational person.

If you feel unsafe because of your ex-spouse’s behavior, you should get in touch with the authorities and seek legal counsel right away. A civil lawsuit for purposeful infliction of mental distress may also be available to you.

2. Carelessness or a Desire to Cause Anxiety

This factor deals with the mental condition of the defendant. Either they had to have intended to cause the suffering, or they had to have reasonably known that their actions would result in significant distress.

3. Intensity

There must be significant emotional anguish. It is a nebulous criteria to fulfill. Stress or persistent worry are signs of significant emotional discomfort. Seeking therapy or psychiatric care could potentially be a sign of severity. In your scenario, it might be simpler to demonstrate severity if the distress had a physical expression.
Emotional upheaval can manifest physically as headaches, stomach problems, insomnia, and so on. If you experience these symptoms, you should record them. In certain cases, the defendant’s actions may have been so severe that it was reasonable for the jury to infer that there would be a great deal of grief.

4. Critical thinking

The inappropriate behavior had to have been quite upsetting emotionally. You will probably also have strong proof of causation if you meet the other three requirements of this cause of action. The defendant could make the argument that you experienced distress as a result of anything that happened in the past. They may then contend that the prior incident—rather than their actions—caused your emotional symptoms.

An adept family law practitioner will be able to refute this counterargument.

5. Changing Law and the Veracity of Your Claim

New statutes or evolving case law can change rapidly. As a result, the laws pertaining to this field are dynamic and often changing. Therefore, a claim that was weak a few years ago may today be a strong one. The laws of your jurisdiction control the validity of your claim and the statute of limitations, which is the time limit within which you may file a lawsuit.

To get help with this complicated legal matter, it would be ideal if you got in touch with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer.

How Can Legal Counsel Be of Assistance?

A skilled family law attorney can assess the worth of your case involving emotional anguish. Your attorney can advise you on whether it will be beneficial to pursue the lawsuit based on their assessment.

Asking your lawyer if they have experience handling divorce cases including emotional distress claims similar to yours might also be a good idea. If they do, you can inquire as to how the cases ended and whether a like result was likely.

Your lawyer and the employees of their law company will gather evidence, file paperwork, and provide you with legal counsel as your claim moves forward if you choose to proceed with your emotional distress claim. Should your lawsuit be successful, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the medical expenses and emotional distress you had as a result of the defendant’s conduct.

Along with guiding you through the full divorce process, your attorney can assist you in reaching a just divorce settlement with your ex-spouse.

Your divorce settlement may address matters like alimony, child support, and custody decisions, depending on your particular circumstances. A strong attorney-client connection is crucial since these matters can be quite emotional.Since you will be disclosing a lot of personal information to your divorce attorney, it is essential to select one you like and can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infliction of Emotional Distress in Divorce

1. What constitutes emotional distress in a divorce?

Emotional distress may result from intentional infliction of emotional harm, often involving extreme and outrageous conduct.

2. Can emotional distress be a standalone claim in divorce cases?

It depends on the jurisdiction, but emotional distress claims are often secondary to other legal claims, such as negligence or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

3. What evidence is needed to prove emotional distress?

Evidence may include medical records, therapy records, witness testimonies, or documentation of the harmful behavior.

4. How does the court assess emotional distress damages?

Damages may be awarded based on the severity of the distress, impact on daily life, and any resulting physical or psychological harm.

5. Is emotional distress considered in child custody cases?

Courts may consider emotional distress when determining the best interests of the child, but it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional.

6. What defenses are available against emotional distress claims?

Defenses may include lack of intent, free speech protections, or challenging the severity of the alleged conduct.