Ghosting has been around for many years. Someone close to you suddenly cuts off all communication. In the past, it has been seen as breaking planned get-togethers, not returning phone calls, and generally avoiding you at all costs with no explanation. However, it has become more prevalent with social media and online romance. It allows the “ghoster” to feel as if they have control, leaving the victim helpless. Ghosting has also found its way into divorce proceedings. It may range from refusing to answer texts to avoiding all legal communications entirely. This, however, can have legal ramifications.
A spouse might choose to ghost the other in order to gain some control over the situation. They may not have wanted the divorce in the first place, or they may believe it was their fault. By refusing to respond to any online correspondence, they may be trying to avoid facing the fact that the marriage is ending, hoping the divorce will just “go away.” On the other hand, a spouse may use it to “be in charge.” By refusing to answer messages, he or she has control by constantly delaying meetings or even avoiding them altogether. This can get very frustrating and expensive paying your attorney to deal with this. Whatever the reason, there are things you can do to.
First, document! Make copies or screenshots of every text or email you send to your spouse. Texts and emails are permissible in divorce court in Texas. Submitting these copies to the judge can show your good faith effort to cooperate with your spouse, while their refusal to respond would demonstrate their unwillingness to do the same. This could be used against them when it comes to property division and child custody.
Next, go to your attorney and explain the situation. If simple texts and emails aren't cutting it, it may be time to ramp up your game and start sending certified letters or setting a court hearing to get a court order to force the issue.
Finally, try mediation. If all communication goes through attorneys and a mediator, then neither spouse is completely in charge of any aspect of the process. All dates and times are decided during the meeting and no one can claim they had not been given any information.
Divorce is a difficult time. It can be a long, drawn-out process that most people want to resolve as quickly as possible. Ghosting during a divorce only delays the inevitable, costing both parties time and money and the ability to move on to their new lives.