The judge entered and we all stood. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and reading glasses perched on his nose. He settled into his seat and looked over the paperwork in front of him.
“Case number 4,782. Wright versus Patterson. Let’s proceed.”
Michael and Amanda approached the table on the left. I took my place at the table on the right.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wright,” the judge said, looking at them over his glasses. “You’re the plaintiffs. Please state your case.”
Amanda spoke first, her voice tight but controlled.
“Your Honor, my mother-in-law removed property from our home without our knowledge or permission. While she claims she purchased these items, they were part of our household. We relied on them for daily living. Her actions have caused us severe emotional distress and financial hardship. We had to replace essential appliances, furniture—everything. It’s been devastating.”
The judge nodded, writing something down. “And you’re seeking damages for this distress?”
“Yes, Your Honor. Twelve thousand dollars.”
“I see.” He turned to me. “Mrs. Patterson, how do you respond to these claims?”
I stood, keeping my voice steady and respectful.
“Your Honor, I don’t dispute that I removed those items, but I do dispute that I had no right to do so. Everything I took, I purchased with my own money. I have documentation for each item.”
I opened my folder and approached the bench, handing it to the bailiff, who passed it to the judge.
He opened it and began reading.
The courtroom fell silent except for the sound of pages turning. I watched his face as he read—saw his expression shift from neutral to thoughtful to something that looked almost like sympathy. He read for what felt like a long time, but was probably only five minutes.
Finally, he looked up.
“Mrs. Patterson, these receipts are very thorough.”
“Thank you, Your Honor. I’ve always believed in keeping good records.”
He turned to Michael and Amanda. “Mr. and Mrs. Wright, I’m looking at receipts here that clearly show your mother purchased a television, furniture, appliances, and various other items. Her name is on every single one.”
He paused. “Can you provide any documentation showing that you purchased these items?”
Michael shifted uncomfortably. “We lived with them. They were in our house.”
“But did you pay for them?” the judge asked.
Silence.
Amanda spoke up, her voice rising slightly. “She was living with us. She was helping with the household. Those purchases were contributions to our shared living situation.”
“That may be how you interpreted it, ma’am,” the judge said, “but legally, whoever purchases an item owns it. Mrs. Patterson has clear proof of ownership.”
He closed the folder.
“Furthermore, emotional distress claims require substantial evidence of harm. Being upset that someone removed their own property doesn’t meet that threshold.”
“But Your Honor—” Michael started.
The judge held up his hand. “Mr. Wright. I understand this situation is difficult, but the law is clear. Case dismissed.”
