My recently estranged 16 year-old daughter has started spreading defamatory lies about me. Her lies have been written

Hello, thank you for the question.

Is there a custody order between you and the mother?

And what does it say about custody?

Also, a lot is going to depend on what she's saying, and to whom, and how (in writing? online? open to the public?)

Please tell me more without using details that will identify anybody.

This will go a lot better for you if you two parents are able to discuss it rationally. How are you and your ex?

Were you and your ex together when your daughter was six?

OK, that helps you because if the child alleges that you abused her while you and her mother were together, then the mother is involved in that allegation.

It may be time to write to the mother, and be civil and respectful, reminding her that you two have shared custody. Tell your ex some of the things that you're hearing, in case the mother doesn't know. Tell the mother that it's categorically untrue, only your daughter is upset at you because of recent events.

Tell your ex that you'd appreciate it if the two of you can discuss this, and ask whether she believes your daughter or not, and that if the police get involved you all could get sucked into an investigation that will hurt the whole family. You need to gauge where the mother is at on this topic.

If your ex is going to side with your daughter then there's little you can do, but you can protect yourself somewhat by calling the child welfare authorities yourself and telling them what's going on, it may be that the mother has already called or the child has. See a criminal lawyer about how to handle the police.

If your ex is going to stay neutral or realizes that the daughter's claim is bogus and potentially very damaging then you and your mother will have to confront your daughter together to make her stop, since your joint custodial parents.

Does that make sense?

You can't really sue your sixteen year old and seek an injunction that she not make such accusations.

This is a family issue, for the moment.

I hope you find a resolution. I'll be here if you want to talk more about it or have more information to share.

Good luck and stay safe.

Ulysses

You're very welcome.

No need to reply unless there's more to discuss, or else the question stays on my "waiting for a response" list. Thanks again for the question and thank you for coming to JustAnswer.