Courtroom - Landlord Forum thread

Courtroom by Libby (Pa) on April 14, 2012 @12:16

Are any relatives allowed in the courtroom if they are not on the complaint. I have a court case Tuesday. The father of one of the tenants is pressuring me to let him stay. He said he would pay what he owes if I let him stay. If not he doesn't see me getting my money back. I told him I'm not worried about that. I have my ways of recovering money. He said I was threating him. No just stating a fact. I decided to stand my grounds and will be going to court. Is the father alllowed in the courtroom? I don't have a claim against him.

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Re: Courtroom by Jake on April 14, 2012 @12:42	[ Reply ]

Sorry, but courts are public. But it will not matter that the father is there. If he is not a part of the legal action he will have to remain silent. The best thing for you to do is to ignore him before, during and after the case is heard.

Re: Courtroom by Anonymous on April 14, 2012 @13:07	[ Reply ]

Jake is correct. Unless he is on the complaint, the father must remain in the seated area and cannot approach the bench and speak to the judge. Depending on the size of the courtroom, they may only allow the lawyers, plaintiff and defendants inside if they have many cases that day and not enough seats. That's what happened in LL/Tenant court when my family had to evict tenants. The sister of the tenant went up with her sister and when the judge swore everyone in and asked for them to state their names, the judge told the sister she is not allowed up there or speak and sent her away. I was in the courtroom seated in the audience to hear the case because my father's first language isn't English and the lawyer wanted me to be there. But, either way, it should not matter.

Re: Courtroom

Re: Courtroom by libby (Pa) on April 14, 2012 @13:12	[ Reply ]

Thanks for the advice.

Re: Courtroom

Re: Courtroom by nICOLE (pa) on April 15, 2012 @10:35	[ Reply ]

In the two magisterial districts I am in, the magistrates won't allow anyone in unless they're a landlord, tenant or one of their attorneys. I guess if someone had a 'witness" they'd be allowed in but I've never seen a witness at a landlord tenant hearing. No spectators allowed inside. Depending how much $$$ is owed, I would consider taking the father's money and making him pay the fcosts and then when they miss paying rent again, refile. If your desired result is getting your money, I'd take what was offered when it's offered.

Re: Courtroom by Greg on April 15, 2012 @13:33	[ Reply ]

"I have my ways of recovering money. He said I was threating him." From reading this, the father is also a deadbeat. Now you know where the kid gets it from. Continue with the eviction. Greg in Phoenix

Re: Courtroom by ChicagoGuy (Illinois) on April 16, 2012 @01:52	[ Reply ]

I think you are mistaken, I am not an Attorney, but I was an occupant of a rental not on a lease and was allowed to argue in court. I am not sure why, but it may have to do with being affected by the court's possible ruling, being that the occupant is involved and has a concern in the outcome of the case. I vaguely remember a rule or law allowing this. I may be wrong but I am almost certain I read this. I wish I could remember. As far as the Judge not allowing the sister up there. Well, Judges don't always respect litigants not represented by Attorneys. I know for a fact. The purpose of an Attorney is, among other things to make sure your rights are protected, and even than to prepare the record for appeal if the Judge is not right.

Re: Good Luck!!!

Re: Courtroom by Carrie (PA) on April 19, 2012 @00:01	[ Reply ]

So how did it go?