Wife threatening to disclose 30 yr old conviction

[DivorcingDad]

Hi

Wondered if any solicitors out there could help?

I had a criminal convictions 30 years ago. I don't wish to disclose what the conviction was for. However, during negotiations relating to financial split of assets, my wife has threatened to disclose my former criminal conviction to our joint friends.

She has already emailed one friend that I know of. This particular friend also has teenagers which our children are friends with. I am concerned that this will cause my 2 DD's extreme embarrassment should they friends overhear their parents discussing it. Of course, something like this is likely to spread around their entire circle of friends once out there.

My children are aware that I spent time in prison many years ago, but i don't think my wife has considered the potential harm this would do to our children and their relationship with their friendship circle if they were to find out.

Is it possible to stop her from doing this? I also run a local business and this could also impact upon the business - I know that it might be possible to get an injunction to prevent her from disclosing but in reality High Court injunctions are very costly and not really a feasible means for the average jo.

How did your kids react when you told them why you went to prison? If they were OK with it their friends probably will be too.

This smacks of what it is- her bitterness.
As a fellow woman I’d 💯 judge her, I may or may not judge you.. crime dependent and taking into account any mitigating circumstances- either way, she doesn’t win. I take your point that your kids stand to lose through embarrassment though 😔

It’s potentially criminal if she’s drawn a direct link between the financial settlement and whether she’ll spread this around. That is blackmail, and I echo PPs in suggesting you talk to your solicitor about it, if not the Police.

As PPs have already pointed out, she hurts herself and the DC by doing this. Perhaps point that out to her..? For instance, if you’ll be paying any sort of ongoing maintenance then it hurts her to have your earnings reduce.

Unless it’s a sexual offence or related to children (in which case, she’s as culpable for putting those friends’ kids at “risk” by staying quiet about you all this time) then I think most true friends would recognise that you’ve repaid your debt to society and wouldn’t hold this against you.