The trial is over. I was very disappointed. Here I did all kinds of research, pulled receipts, got signed statements and verification from multiple sources, and didn't get to use hardly any of it! Basically, we all showed up, sat at the tables, the judge asked the people if they were prepared to proceed, they said they couldn't find proof to back their claims (Duh! If you never paid something, there won't be a paper trail!), the judge said "In that case, do you agree to the plaintiff's (our) claims as stated in the complaint?" They said yes. Bada-bing. Then, the judge looks at us, asks how many months since we filed (2), he tells them those payments (that they haven't paid either) would be added to the judgement, along with the most recent taxes we had to pay but didn't ask for in the complaint!
WOW! The judge signed a piece of paper in front of him, and that was it, or so we thought. The judge asked them if they were going to finally insure the property like they were supposed to. (She) said "We can't your honor, we've never been able to, because THEY have insurance on it." The judge looks at us. I speak up (yes, I know I was supposed to be quiet, but I hate liars!) "Your honor, I have a signed statement from the defendant's (ex)insurance agent, stating that the defendants failed to maintain premium payments, after which the agent contacted my husband and I to restore insurance on the property in question. It's right here, if you'd like to read it." (Don't I sound all official and lawyer-y?
) The judge said he didn't need to see it, then told (them) to get insurance immediately. In all honesty, the judge started out very sympathetic towards (them) but, I got the feeling he hates liars too, because - by the end of it - he was non too nice to them. DH wanted to ask for lost wages, as they basically wasted our time and cost him wages for no good reason, but he thankfully didn't. We were awarded everything we asked for, except fees and interest charges (which the judge said are never awarded), plus extra payments and taxes owed. Why poke the bear? Now, they have 90 days to pay. Then I have to file for eviction and garnishment of wages against them, as we are pretty certain they won't pay :/ On the up side (if there can possibly be one), we were contacted by someone recently, who wants to buy the house outright if they completely default, for enough to pay off the note and cover closing costs;
so long as they don't trash the place before they leave. The guy is a friend of a coworker of DH's, so he is legit. Why do I get the feeling that they will thoroughly destroy that house before getting out?
My brain is tired. I think I'll go outside now and watch DH work
I'd fall dead, more power to you SSD! Oh and about the tomato products above, we are zapped in the pantry for them. So it is essential we have them, 125 plants I believe we set out. They are loaded with blooms and healthy! Go maters!
