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)
emmmilyyy 0
There is a lovely constitutional amendment that protects you, should you choose not to incriminate members of your family in a court of law. Read it.
letitbe56 0
No there isn't.
tronner 0
By all means, tell us which one! I'd love to see it.
Agarwel 0
Are you sure about that "go to jail" part? In my country you dont have to testify against persons close to you (like relatives). So even if you would be only kay witness to solve mass murder - and everybody know it - you dont have to do it. Isnt somethink similar also in your country?
lexiBRo 0
No, we have spousal privilege... but no mommy/daddy privilege
yabrett 0
this cant be real, theres no way you would go to jail for "pleading the 5th"
tronner 0
Google "contempt of court"
hawkloverr 0
You can show up and just act like you can't remember what happened or don't know. That's not illegal. You do have to show up if you are subpoenaed, but I also think its true that there is a law which protects you from having to testify against family, and if not (although I'm pretty sure there is), you can always use the i dont remember bit. You might get yelled at by the lawyer a bit, but you won't get arrested :)
tronner 0
I'm going nuts here. Yes, by all means, show up and lie on the stand. That won't get you in ANY TROUBLE AT ALL. And no, there is NO LAW that prohibits a person from being called to testify against their family member, unless you're talking about some spousal privilege which you're not.
tronner 0
Since your dad is already divorced from your mother it is probably breach of contract, property dispute, something like that? The only way a judge would allow you to be called is if you actually had something to say in the matter - so say it. Or, get your own lawyer to fight the subpoena.
ndfan4190 0
hey...you cant avoid going to court, but you can make it so you wouldnt have to testify. when asked do you swear to tell the truth, instead of saying i do, say no. the court will deem you an unfit witness and you will be removed from the witness list. you will be able to still remain neutral and out of jail
deaththekid_fml 0
how long will you be going to jail if you refuse
skullbuster 0
OP, please for the love of god, DO NOT LISTEN to these people. It sounds like you understand the situation so do what you need to do, but don't make any decision based on the village idiots posting here! They aren't going to come bail you out when you are charged with contempt of court, and it doesn't sound like your Dad will be writing a check either (nasty prick). Good luck to you!
Hoax_fml 0
Nasty prick? Clearly the mother might have done some irredeemable shit to have a lawsuit against her. Maybe she's demanding more alimony than she deserves (not unlikely, shocker I know). Maybe she was an absentee, alcoholic bitch. We don't know. But we do know that the lawsuit exists for a REASON. And that reason might be something other than the father is a "nasty prick".
gntfmlingnow 12
Or maybe the dad is a little pissed because the mom left him and he's such a prick to not only file lawsuits but force his son to choose sides. We don't know, and probably never will.
grlwitperlEring 0
you know you just have to testify you don't have to testify for either side specifically just answer all the questions you're asked honestly
boblehead_jim 0
You really should look in to getting your own lawyer. You might still have to testify, but a lawyer can help you navigate what you do and do not have to reveal. Your parents lawyers are going to look out for them, you need someone who's primary interest is keeping you out of jail while protecting your neutrality as much as possible.
I_am_stupid_also 6
Getting a lawyer for herself is probably overkill. The parents are probably bickering over over-due child support payments. If the OP stays with the truth she will be fine.