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!
What is it with gag orders for HOA lawsuits? Why can’t these outcomes be made transparent? Anyone attorneys that can answer that question?
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.
I think one of the biggest problems with HOAs is lack of transparency.
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…
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.