What If My Ex-Spouse is Stalking Me?
The point of an Oklahoma divorce for many people is to move away from your spouse. When your ex-spouse stalks you after the divorce, this can defeat all the trouble you went through to separate. Constant stalking can build up and create significant distress for the person being stalked. You may no longer feel safe and this can start impacting your daily life. No one should have to deal with this. Try talking to an Oklahoma family attorney to explore your legal options.
Types of Stalking
Not everyone realizes there is more than one type of stalking. The two types of stalking are stalking in person and cyberstalking. Stalking in person, as you may have guessed, happens 
when your ex-spouse follows you around by car or on foot. Cyberstalking involves following your online activities.
Since each state defines stalking in different ways, it can be difficult to prove your ex-spouse is doing this. Many states do not consider someone following you a crime unless this action is causing your significant distress. Many states use the term fear to define what stalking really is.
Cyberstalking might be difficult to prove depending on your state laws. Contact an Oklahoma divorce lawyer to learn more. In general, cyberstalking usually involves any of the following on a consistent basis that causes you distress:
- Sending multiple emails or texts
- Contacting you through social media or messaging apps
- Posting things about you against your wishes
- Sharing your personal information online
- Publishing pictures of you online without permission
- Tracking your location through an app or the internet
- Monitoring what you do online
If this is bothering you after the divorce, then consider asking a lawyer about your legal options. Different states have different legal consequences for these two types of stalking. You might be able to put an end to this behavior.
What Are My Legal Options for Stalking?
The legal consequences of stalking include restraining orders and criminal charges. You can file a Stalking Protection Order, a type of restraining order, to legally protect yourself for up to a year. This order will allow you to take faster legal action when your ex-spouse continues stalking you in person or online.
If your ex-spouse defies this restraining order, then you have the option to file a lawsuit or press criminal charges. A lawsuit can be filed against your ex-spouse or any organization that helped your ex-spouse stalk you. The damages you would sue for include emotional damages.
Criminal charges can be pressed by calling the police and reporting your ex-spouse’s behavior. The police will look at the history and nature of the stalking and decide whether to press criminal charges.
Divorce Attorney in Oklahoma
Being stalked in person and online can be stressful when you are trying to adjust after a major divorce. Consider asking an Oklahoma divorce lawyer for help if your ex-spouse is still stalking you after the divorce. All you have to do is contact the Putnam Law Office by dialing (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. Our goal is to help you defend your rights. Mr. Putnam is an experienced attorney in Oklahoma City, OK who is dedicated to his clients.
