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)
lastminuteperm 0
Not an FML. It's either jail or you show up. Not that hard.
imkendra 0
And both options suck hard. Hence the FML.
Dogmaw 0
The 5th amendment only protects you from self-incrimination. Personally, I think you'd be best off saying "I don't remember" or "I'm not sure" to any question beyond name, rank and serial number. I don't know what's going on between your parents, but you either need to take a moral stand for the parent who is right (as you see it) or continue to stay out of it. I vote for the moral stand. You may lose one parent, but that parent knows they are in the wrong anyway. Good luck.
Rmoline 0
You can't be compelled to testify on civil court. If it's a criminal case, it's different. Some jurisdictions allow you to refuse to testify against a close relative.
blalien 0
That's what I was going to say. You can't be compelled to testify in a civil court. So either the father is putting the mother up on criminal charges, the OP was fed serious misinformation, or this FML is fake.
idontgiveone 0
YOU FAIL. No ones give a shit about who's first or second or fifty-eth. BOO.
diet_otaku 0
consult a lawyer, i don't think a person can be forced to testify.
lurve_hate 0
O MY GOD.
jet_fml 0
You won't go for jail if you stay neutral. You'll just go to jail if you don't show up. How hard is that to understand? It does suck, though. Sorry that your dad is such a douche.
lexiBRo 0
yeah that sucks! and your dad should be given the worst dad of the year award bc children should never have to take sides against parents
Postlude 1
You people really are dense, aren't you? "... nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation" In layman's terms, the 5th amendment says: You can't be tried twice for the same crime, nor can you be a witness against yourself. That's it. "Pleading the 5th" is not a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card from speaking in court.
gntfmlingnow 12
some people said that. Throwing an insult at everyone who doesn't memorize the constitution too well when they've already been set straight is pointless
Pademelon 0
Even if everything works out and this person ends up not having to testify, it's a pretty shitty situation to find out just how much a parent is willing to use their child against their will. That's awful really awful poster. I hope it does work out and you can find a way to continue to stay neutral. It sounds like a pretty nasty divorce and toxic situation all around.