And the Verdict Is In!
By Kareng
@kareng (80243)
United States
March 11, 2022 8:17pm CST
Remember a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I was trying to find out if I had to go to court or not on behalf of my mother?
Well I finally got an attorney on the phone and explained the situation. I was told that no, I do not have to make an appearance in court as stated in the mail that I received. He said that since my brother is living at the residence, that he will be held responsible. That sounds fair to me! I thanked him and said goodbye.
I would love to be a fly on the wall when my brother gets anther visit from the city. My guess is that they won't answer the door. They did not pick up certified mail for first court hearing so they will probably ignore a second notice as well. This could get interesting!
The court appearance was for city ordinances that have been broken. There is also another one for a vehicle that is broken down sitting on property. Now there is two vehicles broken down there and just sitting.
So how would you vote on this matter? Should my mother be responsible who does not live there or should my brother who has been living there for the last two years?
Photo Credit: Pixabay, Public Domain
15 people like this
13 responses
@kaylachan (84815)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Mar 22
Your brother, as he's living there. However, if your mother, is listed as the owner, that can be seen as being responsible for it.
2 people like this
@Tina30219 (82978)
• Onaway, Michigan
12 Mar 22
I say your brother should since he has lived there for over two years
1 person likes this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
14 Mar 22
@Tina30219 This is a city ordinance that has been violated.
@Tina30219 (82978)
• Onaway, Michigan
13 Mar 22
@kareng Can’t the state say if you don’t clean this up or take care of these things there be a fine
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
12 Mar 22
Well I know cities can come down real hard and the house might be taken in the end.
1 person likes this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
16 Mar 22
@RebeccasFarm I do too, but it is what it is.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98033)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
12 Mar 22
I am not sure but I would say your brother who is living there on the property,
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
12 Mar 22
There could be a problem since your father is still on the deed. That is one of the things I would take care of. I doubt that your brother will be held liable.
1 person likes this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
14 Mar 22
@LindaOHio That is the same here with utility payments. We were stuck with over $700 bill when my daughter and boyfriend moved out of the house in central. So much for a favor of staying there and just paying utilities.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
13 Mar 22
@kareng Then that's different than here. We were responsible for any late utility payments if the renter didn't pay them even though the account was in the renter's name.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
12 Mar 22
Your brother should, of course. I now have to go back and read some more of your discussions.
1 person likes this
@Vikingswest1 (7443)
• United States
12 Mar 22
It is obvious that your brother should be held responsible but legally, the name on the deed is the responsible person. If your brother is renting or just living in a home in your mother's name, she is ultimately the responsible person.
The violations are at the property, the city/county doesn't care who lives there, they can demand corrections of violations on the property to the name on the deed of ownership.
If your brother doesn't correct the issues, your mom is most likely on the hook.
The court may also find that your brother is in contempt and can be penalized by fine and/or jail time for non-compliance of code and failure to appear.
What a mess, huh?
1 person likes this
@kareng (80243)
• United States
12 Mar 22
The name on the deed to property and car is my father, who passed away in 2010. My mother never opened succession to have properties transferred.
He is already facing a fine I am guessing. The paperwork I got was a second court notice because of failure to appear for the first notice. There is a fine per day for each violation and there are at least 2-3.
@wolfgirl569 (135791)
• Marion, Ohio
12 Mar 22
A lot of things vary by state. By what the attorney said it is your brother. Plus you have proof your mom is not able or even fully aware of what is happening there.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122187)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
12 Mar 22
Your brother is responsible since he lives in the property where his mom lives.
1 person likes this
@jefferson126 (3670)
• Shenzhen, China
12 Mar 22
In terms of law,the vehicle's owner will hold responsible.however the attorney said your brother will hold responible,i trust his opinion,after all,he specialized in law.
1 person likes this
