Wilbur Wins!

guest blog by Nila Ridings

I am so happy to share this wonderful news from Rori Halpern. She is the mother who fought long and hard to keep the family’s pot-bellied pig for her sons.

“Long day for all involved. We are beyond elated to say Wilbur Bacone will remain forever in our home, continuing to bring joy and happiness to all. Due to confidentiality agreements between both parties we cannot share details. The only thing that matters is that we can keep our boy without anymore worries. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who came forward in support of us. We love you all.”

It is no surprise that the notorious HOA “gag” order has been placed on the Halpern’s. Typical HOA style when they lose a legal battle. We know in this case they did lose because Wilbur is staying put. I sure hope the judge awarded the Halpern’s reimbursement for their legal bills and punitive damages for their pain and suffering.

Who wants to take a guess at how long it will be before the next HOA sues a homeowner over a pot-bellied pig? My guess: at least one more before the end of the year!

(link to Wilbur’s story)

 

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About

Ward Lucas is a longtime investigative journalist and television news anchor. He has won more than 70 national and regional awards for Excellence in Journalism, Creative Writing and community involvement. His new book, "Neighbors At War: the Creepy Case Against Your Homeowners Association," is now available for purchase. In it, he discusses the American homeowners association movement, from its racist origins, to its transformation into a lucrative money machine for the nation's legal industry. From scams to outright violence to foreclosures and neighborhood collapses across the country, the reader will find this book enormously compelling and a necessary read for every homeowner. Knowledge is self-defense. No homeowner contemplating life in an HOA should neglect reading this book. No HOA board officer should overlook this examination of the pitfalls in HOA management. And no lawyer representing either side in an HOA dispute should gloss over what homeowners are saying or believing about the lawsuit industry.

5 thoughts on “Wilbur Wins!

  1. Deborah Goonan

    What is it with gag orders for HOA lawsuits? Why can’t these outcomes be made transparent? Anyone attorneys that can answer that question?

    Reply
    1. Ward Lucas Post author

      Hi Deborah, in one of my own HOA lawsuits my attorney refused to accept a gag order. The board member involved was forced to settle with me for $20,000. The fact that settlement was not covered with a gag order was invaluable. This board member decided to resign rather than face the ongoing embarrassment.

      Reply
        1. HollyHOA

          Absolutely, lack of transparency is the biggest problem of HOA’s. Gag orders favor the dictators and bullies. They can spin or “leak” the outcome and settlement terms in their favor. Then they can label the settlement an “expense” and hide it somewhere besides legal fees. The HOA members will never know…

          Reply
  2. hoasavers

    The owners have a right to know how much money they are paying when board’s do this kind of crap…it’s very effective in getting a recall petition signed.

    Reply

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