I was told when I had to go to court over will junk with my husbands sons my lawyer said - brief but thorough do not over expound where too many words they try to trip you up. Short sentences that still tell the truth and story.
I actually practiced - it made me feel better so wishing you luck and luck and calming nerves.

First court hearing with my in-laws was hard!! Small claims court so I had to fend for myself. They lied and tried so hard to discredit my husband. MIL pulled out receipts that supposidly were owed but after I looked at them I realized they were from 2010 and it was one month in 2009 that he stayed with them. They even said that the day their son got married was the worst day of his life. I was some what emotional but I did manage to point out the fact that the paperwork she had was wrong, I told the judge that the dislike goes both ways due to alot of the abuse my husbad told me about and some that I saw first hand. I told the court that my husband was a good man who paid his way in this life and he owed nothing and if anything THEY owed HIM. I also asked the judge why they didn't sue him or ask for the "owed money" years ago. The judge ordered that we continue for 30 days so he can go over the information and gave the rats time to find their proof. As far as the workman's comp trial that is set for this thursday so keep praying for me as I need all the strength I can get.

Lisa

Sounds like you did well today Lisa. Can't believe the fact that the receipt was the wrong time frame, wasn't enough for the judge to throw it out of court. He isn't a friend of your in-laws by any chance is he? You will be just fine on Thursday. Good thoughts coming your way. Darlene

Lisa, you did great! The judge is being thorough. That's all. He has to be. If it goes your way in 30 days, you may even be awarded money from them for the trouble and false accusations. Keeping you in my good thoughts and prayers for Thursday, too. Love and Hugs, Martha

Lisa . . yes you did great!! Atta girl. I also had to represent myself in a civil matter where the P.R. of the estate was trying to evict me from my own marital home!! People just never cease to amaze me! Take a deep breath during this reprieve and gear up for Thursday. BTW, it doesn't sound like your in-laws have much of a leg to stand on. It's more emotionally hurtful and frustrating that they are even taking the time to do this. Again, some people. I just don't get it. Hang tough. xo, D

Update: Drove 2.5 hours from home, Went past the hospital where I last saw my husband, got to the court house and the trial had been continued, BY MY LAWYER. No one bothered to tell me. So my son and I drove 2.5 hours back. I talked to my lawyer and apearently he needs testimony from my husbands doctor and the doctor doesn't want to be involved. I can't believe the discission of one person will decide my fate. There are so many other factors in this. Im so frustrated.

Your own attorney didn't notify you? His lack of professionalism is unbelievable! And just how can a person refuse to testify? If you are "served", you have no choice...right? I honestly know nothing about legal stuff so shouldn't even be commenting, but if I were in your shoes, I would be SO MAD!!
Darlene

I am very very upset!!! mad and more mad. Its hard enough and more just keeps getting piled up.

Lisa . . yes, the legal process is beyond frustrating. I do understand. As for your attorney not notifying you of the postponed court hearing, I would charge him for my time and money for having invested 5 hours driving, along with mileage! See how he/she likes that! As for the doc, they will have to subpoena him and there will be no out. My J's doc did a crappy job on the stand . . as he didn't want to get involved either. I was so mad I considered slapping a lawsuit against him for purgery (but that would be up to the court and not me). Just hang in there girl. It's not easy when one's fate is in the hands of others. I do understand. What I can say is that you WILL survive this, and come out fine. I'm still in the middle of my mess, but one day I woke up and said f' it. Enough of letting others' determine my future . . so I started changing what I could on my own. That's a whole 'nother story for another day. I'll be thinking of you. Hugs, D

LMJ90,

I am so angry at these "people" who are tormenting you like this. The fact that your in-laws are suing you is repulsive. Not just because it was over a month of rent from 7 years ago when their SON lived with them, but what kind of human being tries to get money from the wife and or kids of their own child after their child dies??? Don't get me wrong, Shane's family has quite a few snakes, and they have pulled some pretty nasty crap, and have come to me with their hands out... but, they have not tried to sue me.
This was their son.... and they are worried about cashing in???? Wow... I hope that for your sake this matter gets resolved quickly and you can get away from these toxic vermin. hugs.. Amy

Your attorney is inexcusable. How hard is it to make a phone call? Hell, his secretary or paralegal could have done that. (Believe me you still would have been charged for the call.) But would have been cheaper than driving five hours and the stress involved. I truly believe our judicial system is the best in the world, but it moves soooo slowly. Isn't it amazing how when a death occurs some people seem to feel entitled? But his family takes the cake. I have told my kids that when their dad and I (now just me) are gone there will be a huge fight amongst them. They will be fighting over who gets stuck hauling our crap to the dump!! Nothing but memories lasts! And what is in our hearts will be remembered. Hugs to you, hang in there. Michele