What should I do about my wife, who refuses to believe me and my family after I concealed from her the existence of a son I have from a previous marriage, and I had previously hit her for her insubordination, and now my ex-wife is claiming to her brother that I am committing adultery with her, which has led to a strained relationship between me and my wife and her family, and she is now in her family's home? Should I divorce her or be patient with her?

There is no objection to a man marrying a second wife, even if he has a previous wife or a child from her, without informing his [first] wife. However, informing her is better to prevent disputes. The permissibility of polygyny is conditioned on justice, and the wife's permission is not required, although informing her might be better. Nevertheless, it is preferable to avoid polygyny if it leads to the family's disintegration. A wife leaving or traveling without her husband's permission is an evil act and an act of disobedience (nushuz), and a separate dwelling must be provided for her. If your ex-wife is lying in her claim of your illicit relationship, then it is obligatory to advise her to repent. To resolve disputes with your wife, it is advisable to resort to wise people for reconciliation, or divorce if it is deemed to be in the best interest. The husband has the right to refuse to divorce his wife if the harm is not from him, until she redeems herself from him with compensation.