Going through a separation can be a messy and ugly process.  Not only are there negative feelings between the parties, but it can also cause one or both people to fling mud at the other person and go as far as to make false allegations about the other parent.  This can be the result of anger or hurt feelings or simply to try to put themselves in a better position.  It is toxic behaviour and can prove problematic for the perosn being falsely accused.

This post looks at why people lie in breakups and what to do if you find yourself caught in a flase allegation.

Why Is The Other Parent Making False Allegations?

It is believed that around 75% of the accusations that one parent makes against the other in family court procedings are simply untrue.  But why would the other person lie if there are no ral concerns?  Well the other parent may have additional reasons, but some of the most common ones are:

• To cause trouble for the other parent to get revenge for the role that the other person had to play in the breakdown of the relationship.
• To make the other person look worse than them in an attempt to ‘win’.
• As a form of control so that they can both win and get revenge.

The Kinds Of Allegations That Parents Make Against Each Other

Drug abuse is one of the most common lies that are made in family court disputes.  This can include illegal drugs, but also prescription medication and alcohol.  Accusations such as “she always has a bottle of wine when she gets home from work” or “He always drinks too much” are quite common things for one parent to say about the other.  Other allegations can include benefit or tax fraud and cruelty to animals.  No matter what the lies are that are told by the other party, you may find that you end up being accused of a slew of actvities that are quite simply untrue.

Another common allegation that is made is trying to claim that the other person was unfaithful.  This is especially common in divorces.  Infamously, Peter Andre won a case for libel after his ex, Katie Price, AKA Jordan accused him of having an affair.  This allegation was found to be completely untrue and she was forced to pay damages.

Sometimes, the other party may make up a particularly serious lie.  This could be as extreme as claiming that you have raped, posessed indecent pornography or been violent.

What To Do If You Are Accused Of Something That Is Criminal

If you are accused of breaking the law, you should make sure that you know what your rights are.  Whenever someone makes an allegation tht they know to be false, this is always illegal.  You should make it your mission to ensure that your name is cleared if the allegations are false.  Some of the crimes that the accuser would potentially be guilty of by making false allegations include wasing police time, perjury or perverting the course of justice.  These are all quite serious so you should make sure that you are as open and as honest as possible in court.  Make sure that you stay as calm as possible and be consistent in your description of your version of events.