Today, I found out that my father, who is divorced from my mother, has set up a lawsuit against her and that I am required to go to court and testify against her as a witness. I've tried to keep neutral for six years, and I'll go to jail if I don't show up. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, I found out that I have to appear in juvenile court because I refused to go visit my dad, even though it was court ordered. FML
Today, I was subpoenaed on behalf of my mother-in-law. My husband said if I didn't defend her and consequently lie under oath, our marriage is over. She said, "I can get rid of two problems in one day!" FML
Today, I found out that on Wednesday, when I have 2 exams, I'm called to testify in court. If I go to court, I cannot make the exams. If I take the exams, I'll be held in contempt and arrested. FML
Today, I got served paperwork stating that my ex-fiancée is suing me again for child support. About 7 years ago, I proved via DNA testing within the court system that I was not the father the first time. I see a talk show in my future. FML
Today, I found out that my best friend's dad used my internet connection to make threats online. I'm going to have to go to court for it. FML
Today, I found out my newly-divorced father is now going to marry my girlfriend's mother. Tough situation here. FML
Today, I finally decided to stand up for myself and quit my crappy job working for my abusive father. I gave him a few insults too, to which he reacted by calling the police and claiming I'd threatened to murder him. I spent three hours in jail before they finally let me go. FML
Today, I got served with a child support hearing. I've never met the woman suing and the person she’s going after has the same name as me. The court people told me not to worry, but those are famous last words and I know it. FML
Today, my mom admitted that her story about my dad leaving us for his current wife was a lie. He left when he caught her with a coworker. She blocked his number and got a restraining order to keep him from telling his side of the story. I haven't talked to my dad for six years because of this. FML
Today, I found out that I have to appear in juvenile court because I kept running away from home. I kept running away because my stepdad beats my mom and she won't do anything about it. They said I might have to go to detention. FML
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Top comments
mijzelffan 0
ouch. Just say you're staying neutral in the court
Hazimius 0
Despite the OP having no control over the situation, there are still YDI votes...
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Comments (161)
kamuku 0
personally I truely think it's great that you tried to stay out of the whole thing, it's not right to take sides imo. but again it was said again you can take the 5th ammendment and stay silent and at least tell the judge you do not wish to testify agianist your mother.
karrdesw 0
Everyone who is saying plead the 5th: You're dumb, the 5th amendment only applies to incriminating oneself and even then only in criminal cases. Everyone who is saying he can't be compelled to come into court for a civil case: YES, yes he can. If he was issued a subpoena then he has to. OP: You're not required to testify AGAINST her, you're required to tell the truth. All being issued the subpoena means is that you are listed on your father's witness list. He is probably doing that just to intimidate your mother and you can offer to be on her witness list as well to basically make the effect go away.
6655321 0
#212 is right, call your mother's lawyer and ask to be placed on her witness list too. You'll still have to appear at court, which is a drag, but at least you won't hurt your mom's feelings or have to "pick sides."
holy_crap 0
I'm pretty sure that there is a way to tell the court that you don't want to testify plus I'm also pretty sure that the attourney has to ask permission of the witness before adding that person as a witness.
socialistbob 0
Go to court tell the truth from as neutral point as possible and let the jury decide, FYL indeed but it is best to remain neutral through the entire situation, also if you wanted to avoid going to court consult a lawyer. Most people on this sight are not lawyers and reviewing the comments will not help (besides most contradict each other).
mattmag 0
Then continue to be neutral by telling the truth and saying what you saw. Your mom's probably stealing a shitload of money from your dad. It wouldn't surprise me if she divorced him for some lowlife, and they're living off the alimony.
mish01 0
How can you possibly know that? You don't know any of the people involved, so stop making stupid comments saying YDI and all that shit.
evolveahimsa 0
one two three four FIZITH!
Joemakerman 0
Might have already been said, but just plead the fifth for all the questions
Evie_fml 14
Yes, it might have already been said multiple times, and also shot down by those who realise you can only do so in order to prevent incriminating yourself.
brentdax 0
You have to show, and you have to answer, but that doesn't mean you have to let your dad get off scot free for this. Tell him that if he makes you testify you'll never speak to him again. If he values you over his lawsuit (and he thinks you're serious) he'll do it. (If this is a criminal case, though, even this won't help--that's up to the district attorney.)
etanico 0
go to jail. if you're selfish enough to testify against your MOTHER so you don't have to go to jail, you're a freaking jerk.
UsingLogic 0
Let me guess: you never got over you Oedipus Complex, did you?
ChaosChild 0
I'm not sure if you have to testify, I think you can decline, you should ask your mom's lawyer, or any lawyer really, about that. But if you have to show up as a witness you don't have to say negative things about her. You swear to tell the truth, so tell the truth. If your mother is a kind woman, tell them about that, if she is funny, tell them about that. You don't have to say bad things about her just because your Dad called you for his side. Hell, if you get called to the stand, after they swear you in, you can ask that it be put on the record that you had originally wished to remain neutral and are very uncomfortable testifying one way or the other.