OOHC,awhile back, I told the kids that if their "dad" asks questions about me (other than a vague "how's mom?" type question) that they are to simply tell hir that they don't know or tell hir to ask me those specific questions. I have made it clear that I am not doing anything wrong, but I am just trying to move on and keep my personal life private. On this particular subject, I do believe my daughter and I have reached an understanding. She knows who I am referring to even though I have not said directly. She is 20, so I certainly can legally tell her whatever I want. However, I don't want to put her in a position where she feels like she needs to keep a secret or something from her younger siblings - especially my other daughter. The 2 are very close.
But yes, the whole situation is messed up because my STBX likes to play the victim, so everything is seen as disparaging or trying to make my kids chose sides.
WBM, I can say my spouse is trans. That is fine. It is obvious. However, I can't say, according to my attorney, that my spouse lied to me and deceived me for 20+ years. Even though it is true, I need to say "I feel as though my spouse ........" The first statement could get me in trouble. Even if it is determined to be true, it would still cost a lot of money and aggravation to get it all sorted out. The second statement is okay because that is clearly my feelings and I am not staying it as fact.
Now, don't misunderstand me. I HATE that, and as OOHC points out, it is just more abuse and further adds to the trauma I (we) have experienced. More importantly though, when it comes to telling my story, it takes away my authority and opens the door for disagreement. For example, if I say, "The sky is bluer today than it has been in a week." That is a much stronger statement than, ""I think the sky is bluer today than it has been in a week." The second one is just begging for someone to say, "No, last Wednesday was more beautiful." Plus, the entire tome of the 2nd statement is just meeker. Adding that "think/feel/seems" qualifier when speaking about my spouse's behavior, just lessens it.
The part that really gets me though, is that those saying something positive don't have to add it. People will say "Your spouse was so brave to come out and dare to live as her authentic self." We don't hear, "I think your spouse was so brave....."
I could go on, but I won't.
Sorry for the tangent. It just frustrates me to no end.