What are the consequences for being sued for committing libel and slander?

Unfortunately, if your ex-husband can prove that you made these defamatory statements and that they were not true, you may find yourself required to pay substantial damages to your ex-husband. Depending on your state laws, your husband likely will not have to prove that the statements were defamatory, since interfering with a person’s business or trade is usually considered defamation per se. Damages can include actual damages, such as the money he lost as a result of losing his job as a result of your statement. You may also have to pay damages for causing his emotional distress, and punitive damages that the court awards to him in order to punish you for making the defamatory statements. You should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who has handled libel and slander cases in order to determine how you should proceed. In many cases, attempting to settle out of court will be your best bet, but an attorney in your jurisdiction can give you more concrete advice about your potential financial liability in a defamation judgment and how you should proceed to protect yourself from as much financial loss as possible.