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
Halloween
A failed costume, stolen candy and a very real scare: Halloween, the one night when fear is allowed.
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)
ravennaromance 0
Yeah, FYL for knowing completely nothing about YOUR U.S. legal system. When you get subpoenaed you have to tell the truth or you'll go to jail as well. So tell the truth. You shouldn't have to bad mouth your mamma unless it's the truth.
Puolukka 4
Maybe the OP misunderstood something and it wasn't actually a subpoena but rather a summon=just a notice to appear? It seems rather odd to me that they would throw you into jail for not appearing in some sort of civil case that's most likely just some stupid crap that's only between the parents anyway... But then again I'm German and some stuff going on in the States is just way too absurd for me to even begin to believe ;) In Germany you do have to show up for court, but you NEVER have to testify against yourself OR your relatives if you don't want to, not even if they're accused of murder...
vivastar 0
Or don't go on principle and go to jail. That should really pump some guilt into your dad, hell, you could probably get a nice new car out of that situation.
SEPHARAD 0
Just be neutral and tell the truth. That's all that's required of you in court.
rafaelaugusto94 0
big dilemma
mojo4395 0
If it's a civil case, I don't know if you technically have to testify. It's not a criminal case, so I don't know what the rules are.
amandawashere 0
plead the 5th dumbass. then you do/say absolutely nothing and you can maintain respect from both of your parents.
rightsaidred 3
You're a moron. Please die now.
18legalawesome 0
Tell the truth and let them know you've been trying to stay out of it for 6 years.
swagmonkey 0
Unless you're personally accused of something, you aren't REQUIRED to testify in court. You can refuse to be a witness. I don't know if that's problematic for you also, or might constitute taking sides from your father's perspective, but it's an option. You won't go to jail for it, but you should refuse the witness stand from the start, not say okay but then fail to show up.
tronner 0
This is awesome - now this guy is saying that the only time you HAVE to testify is if YOU are accused of something. Uh...what? Tell ya what - there are enough wannabe lawyers on here. One of you geniuses please provide us with the right case or rule or precedent or whatever that will prove your point. Until then..
lexiBRo 0
you my friend are an idiot
I_am_stupid_also 6
Congratulations, swagmonkey, you have it precisely backwards.
letitbe56 0
Am I the ONLY ONE who ever had to take US History? Seriously people, did you all sleep through high school? The 5th Amendment only applies if you are being asked to answer potentially incriminating questions ABOUT YOURSELF. It doesn't apply to family. The OP can't plead the 5th.
JustCallMeCloud 0
I plead the 5th against your response.
LysssNysss 1
There is a law somewhere that says people can't testify against their parents. I took Civics this year and that's what my teacher said, so i'm just going by what he said. I'm pretty sure you don't have to testify against your mom, because there should be a law protecting you against that. Then again, my teacher is stupid, and he tells us bullshit because he's angry we have a democrat president.
I_am_stupid_also 6
That only applies to spouses and a few other cases. Not parents/children. http://www.thelaw.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-478.html