1 00:00:00,433 --> 00:00:03,065 [Michelle] He filed the complaint against me for the cyber stalking. 2 00:00:03,133 --> 00:00:05,232 [Judge Judy] And he called the police because you refused 3 00:00:05,333 --> 00:00:06,599 to leave his home. 4 00:00:06,666 --> 00:00:07,633 Yes. 5 00:00:08,300 --> 00:00:09,800 I said okay, "Well, then I'm not leaving." 6 00:00:11,199 --> 00:00:12,032 That's interesting. 7 00:00:12,099 --> 00:00:14,933 Uh, I have extensive damages to my apartment as well. 8 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:17,300 [announcer] This is Judy Justice. 9 00:00:33,933 --> 00:00:36,799 [announcer] Michelle Wittenstein is suing fellow dog owner 10 00:00:36,866 --> 00:00:38,165 Logan Rosenfeld... 11 00:00:38,466 --> 00:00:41,866 [announcer] ...for the cost of a husky puppy she never received. 12 00:00:42,667 --> 00:00:44,366 [Kevin] Court come to order, all rise. 13 00:00:45,265 --> 00:00:46,299 Be seated, please. 14 00:00:48,265 --> 00:00:50,033 [Kevin] Hello, Judge, case 1040. 15 00:00:50,100 --> 00:00:51,667 Wittenstein versus Rosenfeld. 16 00:00:51,734 --> 00:00:53,533 Thank you, Kevin. 17 00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:56,899 Ms. Wittenstein you took on the responsibility 18 00:00:56,966 --> 00:01:00,133 of dog sitting for the defendant's dog. 19 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:01,033 Correct. 20 00:01:01,100 --> 00:01:03,466 [Judge Judy] The defendant has a husky mix. 21 00:01:03,533 --> 00:01:04,599 How old is the dog? 22 00:01:04,667 --> 00:01:05,632 Three and a half now. 23 00:01:05,700 --> 00:01:07,000 - And it's a female? - Yes. 24 00:01:07,066 --> 00:01:08,834 [Judge Judy] How old was the dog when you got the dog? 25 00:01:08,900 --> 00:01:09,867 Three months? 26 00:01:09,933 --> 00:01:11,200 [Judge Judy] And where did you get the dog from? 27 00:01:11,266 --> 00:01:12,266 - [Logan] I bought her. - From where? 28 00:01:12,332 --> 00:01:13,233 [Logan] Craigslist. 29 00:01:13,299 --> 00:01:14,400 [Judge Judy] It's a mixed breed dog? 30 00:01:14,466 --> 00:01:16,000 - Uh-hmm. - How much did you pay for her? 31 00:01:16,066 --> 00:01:16,966 Two hundred bucks. 32 00:01:17,033 --> 00:01:19,533 [Judge Judy] Pretty much what you would pay as an adoption fee. 33 00:01:19,599 --> 00:01:20,933 - Yeah. - [Judge Judy] If you went to a place 34 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:22,233 that rescued dogs. 35 00:01:22,299 --> 00:01:23,734 And what kind of dog do you have? 36 00:01:23,799 --> 00:01:25,265 I have a husky Akita mix. 37 00:01:25,332 --> 00:01:26,533 How old is that dog? 38 00:01:26,599 --> 00:01:27,500 Four and a half. 39 00:01:27,567 --> 00:01:29,400 [Judge Judy] And how old was the dog when you got him? 40 00:01:29,466 --> 00:01:30,299 Two months. 41 00:01:30,367 --> 00:01:31,400 [Judge Judy] Where did you get him from? 42 00:01:31,466 --> 00:01:34,766 Also Craigslist, off an ad for $200. 43 00:01:34,834 --> 00:01:39,366 [Judge Judy] Now, you got together how to get this job as a dog sitter? 44 00:01:39,432 --> 00:01:42,633 [Michelle] My friend Max told me that Logan needed help, 45 00:01:42,700 --> 00:01:44,533 needed a favor to watch the dog. 46 00:01:44,599 --> 00:01:46,466 It's not a favor, a favor is for nothing. 47 00:01:46,533 --> 00:01:48,599 He was paying you to take care of the dog. 48 00:01:48,667 --> 00:01:50,165 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] So that's a job. 49 00:01:50,233 --> 00:01:51,165 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] And how much 50 00:01:51,233 --> 00:01:54,033 was he giving you to take care of the dog for a period of time? 51 00:01:54,099 --> 00:01:56,799 We never actually negotiated on any terms. 52 00:01:56,866 --> 00:01:59,000 But he paid me $150. 53 00:01:59,066 --> 00:02:00,933 Actually, it was $180. 54 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:03,367 I have the bank statement for that if you'd like to see it. 55 00:02:03,432 --> 00:02:04,700 That right? A hundred and eighty? 56 00:02:04,766 --> 00:02:06,667 Yeah, but I thought that $30 was a tip. 57 00:02:06,733 --> 00:02:09,133 Okay. You got paid a hundred and eighty dollars. 58 00:02:09,199 --> 00:02:10,800 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Now, this case 59 00:02:10,866 --> 00:02:14,933 is a relatively simple case, while you were watching his dog, 60 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:18,033 your male dog and his female dog mated, 61 00:02:18,099 --> 00:02:19,633 not at his request. 62 00:02:19,699 --> 00:02:22,466 But as a result of probably both of your negligence 63 00:02:22,533 --> 00:02:24,366 and not having your animals spayed. 64 00:02:24,432 --> 00:02:27,699 He had a litter of puppies, and you're suing him 65 00:02:27,766 --> 00:02:30,900 for the value of one of the puppies, 66 00:02:30,966 --> 00:02:33,633 because you said that that was an agreement 67 00:02:33,699 --> 00:02:36,099 and for filing a false restraining order. 68 00:02:36,165 --> 00:02:37,800 He says he filed the restraining order 69 00:02:37,866 --> 00:02:40,133 because you tried to take one of the puppies 70 00:02:40,199 --> 00:02:42,033 out of the house without his permission. 71 00:02:42,099 --> 00:02:43,633 And he's got a counterclaim 72 00:02:43,699 --> 00:02:48,834 and his counterclaim is for the veterinary bills that he incurred. 73 00:02:48,900 --> 00:02:51,366 Plus, plus, plus, but I'll deal with the veterinary bills. 74 00:02:51,432 --> 00:02:54,667 For dealing with this litter of puppies that was done 75 00:02:54,734 --> 00:02:56,133 because of your negligence. 76 00:02:56,199 --> 00:02:58,265 That's his counterclaim. 77 00:02:58,332 --> 00:03:02,133 So now you have four and a half year old dog. 78 00:03:02,199 --> 00:03:03,866 - Do you take the dog to the vet? - Yes. 79 00:03:03,933 --> 00:03:05,133 - [Judge Judy] Regularly? - [Michelle] Yes. 80 00:03:05,199 --> 00:03:08,532 Has the vet suggested when it was a puppy to have it spayed? 81 00:03:08,599 --> 00:03:10,099 - Yes. - And why didn't you do that? 82 00:03:10,165 --> 00:03:13,400 At the time, I just didn't feel as if I needed to. 83 00:03:13,467 --> 00:03:14,532 What does that mean? 84 00:03:14,599 --> 00:03:17,567 I just didn't want to, you know, spay the dog. 85 00:03:17,633 --> 00:03:19,500 [Judge Judy] No, did not want to spay the dog 86 00:03:19,567 --> 00:03:23,165 is the final result of a thought process. 87 00:03:23,233 --> 00:03:25,033 I wanna know your thought process. 88 00:03:25,099 --> 00:03:26,933 You have a mixed breed dog 89 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:31,033 that has no real value to a breeding line 90 00:03:31,099 --> 00:03:33,800 when there were tens of thousands of dogs out there 91 00:03:33,866 --> 00:03:35,466 that need good homes. 92 00:03:35,533 --> 00:03:38,099 So you're not involved in a breeding program 93 00:03:38,165 --> 00:03:40,766 to breed the huskies or Akitas, 94 00:03:40,834 --> 00:03:43,699 is it just that you didn't want to go through the trouble, 95 00:03:43,766 --> 00:03:45,900 that you didn't wanna go through the expense? 96 00:03:45,966 --> 00:03:49,233 Probably not because you take the dog to the vet regularly. 97 00:03:49,300 --> 00:03:51,800 I need a reason. And then I'll get to you. 98 00:03:51,866 --> 00:03:53,466 I didn't want to it's not a reason. 99 00:03:53,533 --> 00:03:54,900 I didn't wanna pay the expenses. 100 00:03:54,966 --> 00:03:56,400 So it had to do with cost? 101 00:03:56,466 --> 00:03:57,400 Yes. 102 00:03:57,466 --> 00:03:58,699 [Judge Judy] Oh, that's interesting. 103 00:03:58,766 --> 00:04:01,734 And now you have a three and a half year old female 104 00:04:01,800 --> 00:04:03,032 that you got as a puppy. 105 00:04:03,099 --> 00:04:06,834 It's also a mixed breed dog same questions that I would ask her. 106 00:04:06,900 --> 00:04:09,900 Would you tell me why you didn't act responsibly 107 00:04:09,967 --> 00:04:11,633 and have that dog neutered? 108 00:04:11,699 --> 00:04:13,800 Uh, I actually wanted to continue her lineage. 109 00:04:13,866 --> 00:04:15,332 Uh, she's the first dog I've gotten. 110 00:04:15,432 --> 00:04:17,233 And I thought it would be an interesting thing 111 00:04:17,332 --> 00:04:18,165 to just keep it going. 112 00:04:18,233 --> 00:04:20,399 - She's a very beautiful dog-- - That is the most ridiculous thing 113 00:04:20,466 --> 00:04:22,132 I ever heard. 114 00:04:22,199 --> 00:04:25,000 The dog is a mixed breed dog. It has no lineage. 115 00:04:25,065 --> 00:04:27,033 You have a lineage which is what say you 116 00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:28,600 it's the first dog I ever had. 117 00:04:28,667 --> 00:04:30,699 So I wanted to continue that lineage. 118 00:04:30,766 --> 00:04:32,466 [laughs] 119 00:04:32,533 --> 00:04:35,300 Your lineage as reflected through the dog, 120 00:04:35,367 --> 00:04:38,834 I mean I don't-- I don't understand that answer. 121 00:04:40,233 --> 00:04:41,332 I really don't understand that answer. 122 00:04:41,399 --> 00:04:42,432 [Logan] No, I just, um, 123 00:04:42,500 --> 00:04:44,699 I had wanted to, you know, breed her 124 00:04:44,766 --> 00:04:46,867 and then the kid and continue on, to keep it going. 125 00:04:46,933 --> 00:04:47,834 Just intentional-- 126 00:04:47,899 --> 00:04:48,733 [Judge Judy] Keep what? Just a second. 127 00:04:48,800 --> 00:04:49,867 Keep what going? 128 00:04:49,933 --> 00:04:51,199 - [Logan] Her bloodline. - [Judge Judy] Oh, 129 00:04:51,266 --> 00:04:53,500 - so you wanted eventually-- - I had intended to breed her. 130 00:04:53,567 --> 00:04:54,567 Yeah. Absolutely. 131 00:04:54,632 --> 00:04:55,966 Eventually you had intentions of breeding her, 132 00:04:56,033 --> 00:04:58,367 well, there goes your counterclaim one, two, three. 133 00:05:00,199 --> 00:05:02,867 You know, that was a pretty dumb answer. 134 00:05:02,934 --> 00:05:04,600 Because you wanted a litter of puppies. 135 00:05:04,666 --> 00:05:05,766 You had a litter of puppies. 136 00:05:05,834 --> 00:05:07,199 So what are you suing her for? 137 00:05:07,266 --> 00:05:08,533 Uh, not at this moment, it was a very-- 138 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,934 [Logan] Oh, well, I did have a counterclaim. 139 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:12,033 It is now gone. 140 00:05:13,033 --> 00:05:17,033 Now, when was it that you agreed to take control of his dog? 141 00:05:17,100 --> 00:05:18,766 He dropped the dog off November 4th. 142 00:05:18,834 --> 00:05:20,432 And you only have one dog? 143 00:05:20,500 --> 00:05:21,500 At the time yes. 144 00:05:21,567 --> 00:05:22,867 [Judge Judy] How many dogs do you have now? 145 00:05:22,934 --> 00:05:24,367 - [Michelle] Two. - What is the other dog? 146 00:05:24,432 --> 00:05:25,266 German Shepherd. 147 00:05:25,332 --> 00:05:26,399 Did you get as a puppy? 148 00:05:26,466 --> 00:05:27,800 Yes. At two months. 149 00:05:27,867 --> 00:05:28,800 That you purchased? 150 00:05:28,867 --> 00:05:29,800 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 151 00:05:29,867 --> 00:05:32,867 Now, you negligently allowed these two dogs to breed 152 00:05:32,933 --> 00:05:35,399 because he didn't make that request to you, correct? 153 00:05:35,466 --> 00:05:36,834 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 154 00:05:36,899 --> 00:05:39,066 Now the only question that I have to ask you is, 155 00:05:39,132 --> 00:05:42,000 you say that you're entitled to the value of one puppy, 156 00:05:42,066 --> 00:05:46,000 and you're suing him for $3,235. 157 00:05:46,066 --> 00:05:49,432 Some of that is for filing a restraining order against you. 158 00:05:49,500 --> 00:05:52,466 Now, you explain to me why you think 159 00:05:52,533 --> 00:05:55,567 you're entitled to the value of a puppy. 160 00:05:55,632 --> 00:05:57,233 Logan and I had agreed 161 00:05:57,300 --> 00:05:59,500 that I would be receiving one stud puppy. 162 00:05:59,567 --> 00:06:00,466 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 163 00:06:00,533 --> 00:06:02,333 Well, when he dropped the dog off, 164 00:06:02,399 --> 00:06:05,000 he didn't ask you to breed the dog with his dog. 165 00:06:05,065 --> 00:06:06,466 - Correct. But-- - [Judge Judy] Okay. 166 00:06:06,533 --> 00:06:08,233 Then he finds out the dog is pregnant. 167 00:06:08,300 --> 00:06:10,733 Tell me the exact circumstances 168 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:12,899 where he agreed to give you a puppy. 169 00:06:12,966 --> 00:06:15,500 If he did in fact agree to give you a puppy, we'll move on. 170 00:06:15,567 --> 00:06:17,132 When the dog was giving birth, 171 00:06:17,199 --> 00:06:19,033 he had agreed that I would be receiving. 172 00:06:19,100 --> 00:06:20,699 Agreed is a conclusion. 173 00:06:20,766 --> 00:06:22,332 The dog was giving birth. 174 00:06:22,399 --> 00:06:23,766 You had a conversation. 175 00:06:23,834 --> 00:06:26,899 You had a text exchange, you had an email exchange. 176 00:06:26,966 --> 00:06:29,699 We've had verbal and text agreements. 177 00:06:29,766 --> 00:06:32,399 When he filed the complaint against me for the cyber stalking, 178 00:06:32,466 --> 00:06:34,733 he had also acknowledged that we had a contract. 179 00:06:34,800 --> 00:06:36,100 I'd like to see it. 180 00:06:41,667 --> 00:06:42,632 [Michelle] And... 181 00:06:50,165 --> 00:06:51,165 [Judge Judy] Okay, sir. 182 00:06:51,233 --> 00:06:53,867 This clearly acknowledges that you told her 183 00:06:53,933 --> 00:06:56,233 that "after the puppies had their shots, 184 00:06:56,300 --> 00:06:58,500 I would give her the one." 185 00:06:58,567 --> 00:07:00,300 - Uh-hmm. - So do you acknowledge 186 00:07:00,367 --> 00:07:02,567 that you had an agreement with her? 187 00:07:02,632 --> 00:07:03,733 To give her one puppy? 188 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:05,800 - Yes. However-- - [Judge Judy] Perfect, perfect. 189 00:07:05,867 --> 00:07:06,899 I would like to say-- 190 00:07:06,966 --> 00:07:08,033 [Judge Judy] No, no, don't say anything. 191 00:07:08,100 --> 00:07:09,033 Okay. 192 00:07:09,132 --> 00:07:13,132 And you agreed to give her one puppy after they had their shot? 193 00:07:13,199 --> 00:07:14,033 Absolutely. 194 00:07:14,100 --> 00:07:15,867 And when did they have their shots? 195 00:07:15,934 --> 00:07:17,233 L-- late February. 196 00:07:17,300 --> 00:07:20,466 [Judge Judy] Now there was an incident when evidently 197 00:07:20,533 --> 00:07:22,834 she made the request for her puppy. 198 00:07:22,899 --> 00:07:24,766 And I want you to tell me about that. 199 00:07:24,834 --> 00:07:26,500 Because based on that, 200 00:07:26,567 --> 00:07:29,165 you changed your mind about giving her a puppy. 201 00:07:29,233 --> 00:07:31,466 [Logan] So the morning of February 13th, 202 00:07:31,533 --> 00:07:33,867 Michelle had called me, uh, twice. 203 00:07:33,933 --> 00:07:36,000 And she sent me a text saying, "Hey, I'm gonna get the dog 204 00:07:36,066 --> 00:07:37,233 without it being vaccinated." 205 00:07:37,300 --> 00:07:39,766 Um, I wanted to sit down and write an articulate response 206 00:07:39,834 --> 00:07:42,033 and not, you know let, throw that to the wind 207 00:07:42,100 --> 00:07:44,332 - when I got home-- - Well, that's stupid by the way. 208 00:07:44,399 --> 00:07:45,632 I agree. I have a text where he said-- 209 00:07:45,699 --> 00:07:46,733 [Judge Judy] Just a second, 210 00:07:46,867 --> 00:07:48,766 just a second, that would be stupid. 211 00:07:48,834 --> 00:07:52,165 To take a puppy that hadn't had at least it's first shot. 212 00:07:52,233 --> 00:07:54,066 I was going to bring it to the vet immediately. 213 00:07:54,132 --> 00:07:55,800 [Judge Judy] Uh, I'm just telling you it's stupid. 214 00:07:55,867 --> 00:07:57,332 - [Michelle] Yes. - It's too young. 215 00:07:57,399 --> 00:07:59,266 If it's too young to get its first shot, 216 00:07:59,332 --> 00:08:02,000 it's stupid to take it because you want it. 217 00:08:02,065 --> 00:08:03,899 So you said you sat down 218 00:08:03,966 --> 00:08:06,165 and you wrote her an articulate response, 219 00:08:06,233 --> 00:08:10,165 so it probably said, "I want puppies to get their first shots." 220 00:08:10,233 --> 00:08:13,132 Actually, I didn't get a chance to respond because as I got home, 221 00:08:13,199 --> 00:08:14,533 Michelle and a friend of hers were waiting for me 222 00:08:14,600 --> 00:08:15,600 outside of my apartment. 223 00:08:15,666 --> 00:08:16,867 Okay, and tell me what happened. 224 00:08:16,934 --> 00:08:18,165 She asked if she could see the puppies. 225 00:08:18,233 --> 00:08:20,934 I said, "Yeah, for five minutes. I'm about to run back out, actually." 226 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:23,399 And I said I addressed her text message. 227 00:08:23,466 --> 00:08:26,000 I said, "Unfortunately, I don't think that you can take the puppy today. 228 00:08:26,065 --> 00:08:26,899 They're not vaccinated." 229 00:08:26,966 --> 00:08:28,899 I had intended to go to the vet the next day. 230 00:08:28,966 --> 00:08:30,567 [Judge Judy] Whatever. They weren't vaccinated. 231 00:08:30,632 --> 00:08:33,332 Did he tell you can't take the puppy today 232 00:08:33,399 --> 00:08:34,667 because they weren't vaccinated? 233 00:08:34,734 --> 00:08:35,734 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 234 00:08:35,799 --> 00:08:37,200 And that was on February 13th. 235 00:08:37,265 --> 00:08:38,100 Yes. 236 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:39,066 [Judge Judy] And what happened next? 237 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:41,567 [Logan] I showed them the puppies and as Michelle was trying to leave, 238 00:08:41,633 --> 00:08:43,165 she actually reached into the puppy pin, 239 00:08:43,232 --> 00:08:44,834 picked one up and tried to walk out the door. 240 00:08:44,899 --> 00:08:45,866 At which point I blocked the door-- 241 00:08:45,933 --> 00:08:47,299 [Judge Judy] Just one second, is that what happened? 242 00:08:47,366 --> 00:08:49,000 - No. - What happened? 243 00:08:49,066 --> 00:08:52,100 [Michelle] Well, my friend and I were inside Logan's apartment. 244 00:08:52,165 --> 00:08:55,232 And we were playing with the puppies, nothing out of the ordinary. 245 00:08:55,299 --> 00:08:59,232 I had been invited to Logan's place several times prior and he told me, 246 00:08:59,299 --> 00:09:00,866 "You are actually not getting a puppy." 247 00:09:00,933 --> 00:09:02,966 So I said, "Okay, well then I'm not leaving." 248 00:09:03,033 --> 00:09:05,432 So then he called the cops and then the cops came. 249 00:09:05,500 --> 00:09:07,332 Nothing was filed. No police report. 250 00:09:07,399 --> 00:09:08,232 And I left the premises. 251 00:09:08,299 --> 00:09:09,866 [Judge Judy] And did you pick up a puppy? 252 00:09:09,933 --> 00:09:11,567 - Yes, to play with. - [Judge Judy] Just a sec. 253 00:09:11,633 --> 00:09:12,833 You picked up a puppy? 254 00:09:12,899 --> 00:09:13,734 - [Michelle] Yes. - [Judge Judy] And he said, 255 00:09:13,799 --> 00:09:15,066 "You're not leaving with it today." 256 00:09:15,133 --> 00:09:16,265 [Michelle] Yes. 257 00:09:16,332 --> 00:09:17,667 [Judge Judy] Okay, good idea. 258 00:09:17,734 --> 00:09:20,966 And he called the police because you refused to leave his home 259 00:09:21,033 --> 00:09:22,399 - without a puppy. - Yes. 260 00:09:22,466 --> 00:09:25,533 [Judge Judy] So that's called in the law a trespass. 261 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:27,466 I will tell you why it's a trespass 262 00:09:27,533 --> 00:09:31,399 because you were originally invited into the home to see the puppies. 263 00:09:31,466 --> 00:09:35,399 Once he told you that you were no longer welcome in the home 264 00:09:35,466 --> 00:09:37,466 and you continued to remain there, 265 00:09:37,533 --> 00:09:40,533 you were remaining in his home without his permission, 266 00:09:40,600 --> 00:09:42,066 and that's a trespass. 267 00:09:42,133 --> 00:09:43,700 So he's entitled to call the police 268 00:09:43,799 --> 00:09:45,866 and I'm sure the police escorted you out 269 00:09:45,933 --> 00:09:47,500 - and told you to go home. - [Michelle] Uh-hmm. 270 00:09:47,567 --> 00:09:51,200 [Judge Judy] He is entitled therefore to file for an order of protection 271 00:09:51,265 --> 00:09:53,933 if he feels that you might come back, period. 272 00:09:54,000 --> 00:09:55,265 It's a very simple case. 273 00:09:55,332 --> 00:09:58,066 I'm not going to make it into a scopes trial. 274 00:09:58,933 --> 00:10:02,232 So the part of your claim that requests damages 275 00:10:02,299 --> 00:10:04,265 for filing a false report 276 00:10:04,332 --> 00:10:07,332 resulting in a protective order is dismissed. 277 00:10:07,399 --> 00:10:10,567 So the only thing left is the value of a puppy. 278 00:10:10,633 --> 00:10:11,799 Right? 279 00:10:11,866 --> 00:10:14,299 Uh, I have extensive damages to my apartment as well, I'm sorry. 280 00:10:14,366 --> 00:10:15,399 Not from her. 281 00:10:15,466 --> 00:10:16,500 No, from the litter of puppies. 282 00:10:16,567 --> 00:10:19,232 Well, that's because you wanted to continue your bloodline. 283 00:10:19,299 --> 00:10:21,200 - [laughter] - That's fair, that's fair. 284 00:10:21,265 --> 00:10:23,000 [Judge Judy] You were the one who told me that. 285 00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:24,133 [Logan] Uh, as well-- 286 00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:25,166 [Judge Judy] It was your first puppy 287 00:10:25,232 --> 00:10:28,734 and you thought somehow that gave it magical powers, Mr. Rosenfeld? 288 00:10:28,799 --> 00:10:30,633 - [Logan] No, I just thought-- - Are you an only child? 289 00:10:30,700 --> 00:10:32,799 - Yeah, only child. - [Judge Judy] You're an only child. 290 00:10:32,866 --> 00:10:33,899 Got it. 291 00:10:35,066 --> 00:10:36,966 And this, is the puppy 292 00:10:37,033 --> 00:10:38,966 who's other ear has to learn how to stick up. 293 00:10:39,033 --> 00:10:40,500 Mine too. He's got the same floppy ear. 294 00:10:40,567 --> 00:10:41,734 Did you say yours too? 295 00:10:41,799 --> 00:10:43,332 Yeah, mine also has the same floppy ear. 296 00:10:43,399 --> 00:10:46,165 - Not you, your dog. - No, no, no, my puppy. 297 00:10:46,232 --> 00:10:47,633 [announcer] And later today. 298 00:10:47,700 --> 00:10:49,332 Did you file a restraining order? 299 00:10:49,399 --> 00:10:50,466 [Marisa] I did. And I have proof. 300 00:10:50,533 --> 00:10:53,399 I have the pictures from the assault um just after the assault 301 00:10:53,466 --> 00:10:55,366 and then I do have the police reports. 302 00:10:55,432 --> 00:10:56,265 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 303 00:10:56,332 --> 00:10:58,567 You filed two different actions. 304 00:10:58,633 --> 00:10:59,667 - Correct. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 305 00:11:03,734 --> 00:11:07,232 [suspenseful music playing] 306 00:11:09,332 --> 00:11:10,366 [announcer] Michelle Wittenstein. 307 00:11:10,799 --> 00:11:13,299 Claims she never received the husky puppy... 308 00:11:14,100 --> 00:11:16,567 [announcer] ...defendant Logan Rosenfeld agreed to give her. 309 00:11:16,633 --> 00:11:18,265 Logan is countersuing Michelle 310 00:11:18,332 --> 00:11:22,000 for a refund of dog sitting charges and property damage. 311 00:11:22,066 --> 00:11:23,633 So let's get real. 312 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:25,633 The reason that you didn't give her a puppy 313 00:11:25,700 --> 00:11:28,667 is because of all this kerfuffle and the police had to be called. 314 00:11:28,734 --> 00:11:30,700 You did in fact have a contract with her 315 00:11:30,767 --> 00:11:33,866 to give her a puppy after it received its shots. 316 00:11:33,933 --> 00:11:35,100 - Yeah. - [Judge Judy] But now 317 00:11:35,165 --> 00:11:37,299 we get to the value of a puppy. 318 00:11:37,366 --> 00:11:40,265 Well, you paid $200 for your mixed breed 319 00:11:40,332 --> 00:11:43,700 that was half Husky half Akita. 320 00:11:43,767 --> 00:11:46,466 And you paid $200 for yours. 321 00:11:46,533 --> 00:11:49,299 - That was half-- - Husky and half, 322 00:11:49,366 --> 00:11:50,500 uh, I think she was a wolf dog. 323 00:11:50,600 --> 00:11:51,432 That's what they had told me. 324 00:11:51,500 --> 00:11:53,399 So we really don't know. 325 00:11:53,466 --> 00:11:54,466 [Logan] No, no, I have no idea. 326 00:11:54,567 --> 00:11:55,899 Can I see pictures of these? 327 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:58,100 I would just like to take a look at them. 328 00:11:58,165 --> 00:12:00,133 Just to amuse myself. 329 00:12:03,899 --> 00:12:05,533 Come on, let me see a picture of yours. 330 00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:06,432 [Judge Judy] I'd like to see. 331 00:12:06,500 --> 00:12:07,866 I got too much stuff. 332 00:12:10,500 --> 00:12:12,100 And I'd also, Mr. Rosenfeld-- 333 00:12:12,166 --> 00:12:13,734 - [Logan] Uh-huh. - I'd also like to see 334 00:12:13,799 --> 00:12:15,933 if you have pictures of the puppies. 335 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:17,100 - [Logan] I do. - You kept two. 336 00:12:17,166 --> 00:12:18,466 I kept one actually. 337 00:12:18,533 --> 00:12:21,066 - [Judge Judy] You kept one? - Yes. So this is my dog. 338 00:12:21,133 --> 00:12:22,600 This is her dog. 339 00:12:22,667 --> 00:12:24,633 This is one of the puppies. 340 00:12:24,700 --> 00:12:26,299 And this is actually his DNA report. 341 00:12:27,100 --> 00:12:28,600 Uh, there's no Akita on it. 342 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:37,232 [Judge Judy] Okay. 343 00:12:37,299 --> 00:12:38,533 Whose dog is this? 344 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:39,866 - [Michelle] My dog. - [Judge Judy] Good looking. 345 00:12:39,933 --> 00:12:41,899 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Judy] And this is your dog 346 00:12:41,966 --> 00:12:43,432 that has a lot of Husky in it. 347 00:12:43,500 --> 00:12:45,700 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] And this is the puppy. 348 00:12:45,767 --> 00:12:46,600 [Logan] One of them, yes. 349 00:12:46,667 --> 00:12:48,567 [Judge Judy] Who's other ear has to learn how to stick up. 350 00:12:48,633 --> 00:12:49,834 - Mine too. - [Judge Judy] What? 351 00:12:49,899 --> 00:12:51,232 Mine too, he's got the same floppy ear. 352 00:12:51,299 --> 00:12:52,299 Did you say yours too? 353 00:12:52,366 --> 00:12:54,232 [Logan] Yeah, mine also has the same floppy ear. 354 00:12:54,299 --> 00:12:56,265 - Not you. Your dog? - No, no, my puppy. 355 00:12:57,265 --> 00:12:59,366 I'd like to think my ears are both standing up. 356 00:12:59,432 --> 00:13:01,466 [Judge Judy] Well, they're lovely dogs. 357 00:13:01,533 --> 00:13:06,033 And Mr. Rosenfeld, you can't change the agreement with her 358 00:13:06,100 --> 00:13:07,033 to give her one puppy. 359 00:13:07,100 --> 00:13:10,332 She actually doesn't want one puppy because it's been a while now 360 00:13:10,399 --> 00:13:13,100 and she's already gotten a new puppy, a German Shepherd. 361 00:13:13,166 --> 00:13:17,633 So I'm going to award her $200 which is what you paid for your puppy 362 00:13:17,700 --> 00:13:18,899 and what you paid for yours. 363 00:13:18,966 --> 00:13:20,866 That seems like a fair value. 364 00:13:20,933 --> 00:13:24,100 $200 judgment for the plaintiff, counterclaim is dismissed. 365 00:13:24,166 --> 00:13:25,133 Thank you very much. 366 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:26,633 Goodbye. Good luck. Have a happy life. 367 00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:27,799 - We're done. - [Kevin] Court is adjourned. 368 00:13:29,500 --> 00:13:31,366 She told me, I have a slew of text messages 369 00:13:31,432 --> 00:13:33,533 I was trying to pull up she said the dog will be supervised, 370 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:35,466 it'll be cared for, she's home 24/7. 371 00:13:35,533 --> 00:13:38,165 I found out pretty quickly within 30 minutes 372 00:13:38,232 --> 00:13:39,899 that the dogs w-- were mated. 373 00:13:39,966 --> 00:13:41,500 I wish it was a little later. 374 00:13:41,567 --> 00:13:42,834 I was not expecting this. 375 00:13:42,899 --> 00:13:44,332 It was a complete accident. 376 00:13:44,399 --> 00:13:47,000 Make sure you, uh, watch who, uh, dog sits your dog. 377 00:13:47,066 --> 00:13:48,466 Glad to put this behind me. 378 00:13:49,265 --> 00:13:51,466 [Sarah] It seemed as though they were both nice people 379 00:13:51,533 --> 00:13:54,600 just trying to settle a disagreement peacefully and-- 380 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:56,033 I like them both. 381 00:13:56,100 --> 00:13:58,600 I don't think that there was any venality. 382 00:13:59,767 --> 00:14:01,466 There were a couple of good lessons, 383 00:14:01,533 --> 00:14:04,432 and I think good lesson for her 384 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:06,933 was that she should have her dog spayed. 385 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:10,133 I think that any responsible person who has a dog 386 00:14:10,200 --> 00:14:14,133 that they don't intend to breed for a particular reason 387 00:14:14,200 --> 00:14:15,600 should exercise good judgment. 388 00:14:15,667 --> 00:14:18,432 There are plenty of animals out there that need loving homes, 389 00:14:18,500 --> 00:14:20,133 so that's a good lesson. 390 00:14:20,200 --> 00:14:23,100 But I must confess to you that 391 00:14:23,166 --> 00:14:24,700 when I was much younger, 392 00:14:24,767 --> 00:14:28,066 I did in fact have a Maltese dog 393 00:14:28,133 --> 00:14:30,265 and Jerry and I decided it would be wonderful 394 00:14:30,332 --> 00:14:33,933 to try having a litter of puppies, and I was a judge at the time. 395 00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:37,100 I was sitting in Manhattan and I remember that for six weeks 396 00:14:37,165 --> 00:14:40,767 I would carry the puppies cause I was afraid to leave them home 397 00:14:40,834 --> 00:14:42,899 and their mother to work with me 398 00:14:42,966 --> 00:14:46,466 and I would keep the mother in the back, in the robing room. 399 00:14:46,533 --> 00:14:49,366 I'd keep the puppies in a drawer and I said to myself, 400 00:14:49,432 --> 00:14:51,399 "This is an awful lot of work." 401 00:14:51,466 --> 00:14:54,000 So I can imagine having a litter, 402 00:14:54,066 --> 00:14:56,767 I think he had six puppies and took care of them. 403 00:14:56,834 --> 00:14:58,767 And he said, "You should see the damage 404 00:14:58,834 --> 00:15:00,332 that they did to his house." 405 00:15:00,399 --> 00:15:02,066 But he was very cute. 406 00:15:02,133 --> 00:15:06,166 It's his first dog and he wanted to continue the line. 407 00:15:06,232 --> 00:15:07,933 - The memory of the first dog. - [Judge Judy] The memory-- 408 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:10,667 the memory-- memory in the line of the first dog. 409 00:15:10,734 --> 00:15:12,265 Anyway, I thought that they were cute 410 00:15:12,366 --> 00:15:14,667 and I thought that the decision was fair. 411 00:15:14,734 --> 00:15:16,600 He had in fact agreed to give her a puppy. 412 00:15:16,667 --> 00:15:17,633 I couldn't change his mind. 413 00:15:17,700 --> 00:15:19,533 - Nice people. - Good turnout. 414 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:22,299 Case 1043, Williams versus Rettig. 415 00:15:22,366 --> 00:15:23,500 Please step forward. 416 00:15:23,567 --> 00:15:25,399 [announcer] Twenty-two-year-old Marisa Williams 417 00:15:25,466 --> 00:15:27,200 is suing her ex-husband... 418 00:15:27,265 --> 00:15:29,299 [announcer] ...twenty-one-year-old Benjamin Rettig 419 00:15:29,366 --> 00:15:31,933 for stimulus money and an assault. 420 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:33,332 Ms. Williams, how old are you? 421 00:15:33,399 --> 00:15:34,232 I'm 22. 422 00:15:34,299 --> 00:15:35,299 [Judge Judy] And you, Mr. Rettig? 423 00:15:35,366 --> 00:15:36,232 Twenty-one. 424 00:15:36,299 --> 00:15:38,734 You were married to each other for a short period of time. 425 00:15:38,799 --> 00:15:40,799 How old were you when you got married, Ms. Williams? 426 00:15:40,866 --> 00:15:41,700 Twenty, I believe. 427 00:15:41,767 --> 00:15:43,332 In what month did you marry? 428 00:15:43,399 --> 00:15:45,133 - December. - [Judge Judy] And you have a son? 429 00:15:45,200 --> 00:15:46,567 - We do. - How old is he? 430 00:15:46,633 --> 00:15:48,633 [Marisa] He'll be two years, uh, September 5th. 431 00:15:48,700 --> 00:15:50,633 [Judge Judy] Now, in what year did you separate? 432 00:15:50,700 --> 00:15:51,600 2020. 433 00:15:51,667 --> 00:15:52,600 When in 2020? 434 00:15:52,667 --> 00:15:53,500 May. 435 00:15:53,567 --> 00:15:55,366 How old was your son when you separated? 436 00:15:55,432 --> 00:15:56,500 Seven months. 437 00:15:56,567 --> 00:15:59,066 And who were you living with at the time of the separation? 438 00:15:59,133 --> 00:16:00,166 I was living with Ben. 439 00:16:00,232 --> 00:16:01,299 In your own apartment? 440 00:16:01,366 --> 00:16:02,633 No, we had a house together. 441 00:16:02,700 --> 00:16:04,033 Anybody else live in the house? 442 00:16:04,100 --> 00:16:04,933 Just our son. 443 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:05,833 [Judge Judy] Who was working? 444 00:16:05,899 --> 00:16:07,466 [Marisa] Ben was working, as I had-- 445 00:16:07,533 --> 00:16:09,700 I was dealing with health issues since the pregnancy. 446 00:16:09,767 --> 00:16:10,700 [Judge Judy] Okay. 447 00:16:10,767 --> 00:16:12,033 Now, you moved out of the house? 448 00:16:12,100 --> 00:16:13,633 You moved out of the house in May? 449 00:16:13,700 --> 00:16:15,232 - [Marisa] Correct. - Of 2020? 450 00:16:15,299 --> 00:16:16,133 That is correct. 451 00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:19,299 [Judge Judy] And with whom did the child reside in May? 452 00:16:19,366 --> 00:16:23,533 [Marisa] We had an agreement where Ben would have our son 453 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:27,000 um Friday until Sunday as Ben worked long shifts 454 00:16:27,066 --> 00:16:28,734 from 4:30 PM to 4:00 AM. 455 00:16:28,833 --> 00:16:29,899 Okay. 456 00:16:29,966 --> 00:16:32,667 And you would have him during the week while he was working? 457 00:16:32,734 --> 00:16:34,533 - That is correct. - Did that work out? 458 00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:36,332 - Yes, it did. - Is it still working? 459 00:16:36,399 --> 00:16:39,667 We have 50/50 custody now, so I have him every other week. 460 00:16:39,734 --> 00:16:42,933 [Judge Judy] This case is about stimulus money. 461 00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:46,332 I assume you were unemployed in 2020? 462 00:16:46,432 --> 00:16:47,265 That is correct. 463 00:16:47,332 --> 00:16:50,033 [Judge Judy] And for the time that you were married, 464 00:16:50,100 --> 00:16:52,899 you jointly filed tax returns twice, is that correct? 465 00:16:52,966 --> 00:16:53,866 That is correct. 466 00:16:53,933 --> 00:16:56,667 [Judge Judy] And each time, he was the filer, 467 00:16:56,734 --> 00:16:58,799 your Social Security number was second, 468 00:16:58,866 --> 00:17:01,533 and the only income that was reported was his? 469 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:02,466 Correct. 470 00:17:02,533 --> 00:17:05,700 [Judge Judy] So, when the court entered a judgment of divorce, 471 00:17:05,767 --> 00:17:06,933 which was in what year? 472 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:08,400 - This year. - [Judge Judy] Did the court say 473 00:17:08,467 --> 00:17:10,567 who was to take the child as a deduction? 474 00:17:10,633 --> 00:17:13,133 We did not have a divorce decree yet, and nothing was in order. 475 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:14,299 [Judge Judy] You don't? Okay. 476 00:17:14,366 --> 00:17:17,366 Well, if I had to make a judgment 477 00:17:17,432 --> 00:17:20,099 with regard to previous tax filings, 478 00:17:20,165 --> 00:17:24,400 I would say that if there was a refund from taxes 479 00:17:24,467 --> 00:17:26,066 and you're no longer together, 480 00:17:26,133 --> 00:17:29,366 my judgment would be you're not entitled to half of the refund, 481 00:17:29,432 --> 00:17:30,532 if you weren't working. 482 00:17:30,599 --> 00:17:33,700 I am just asking for the stimulus money because he did receive 1,400 483 00:17:33,767 --> 00:17:37,366 for me and our son and therefore I am asking for half of our son 484 00:17:37,532 --> 00:17:38,366 - as well - [Judge Judy] Okay. 485 00:17:38,432 --> 00:17:41,967 So you didn't receive any stimulus check in your name? 486 00:17:42,032 --> 00:17:43,500 - No, I did not. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 487 00:17:43,567 --> 00:17:47,866 And you did receive stimulus checks in whose name? 488 00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:48,767 My name. 489 00:17:48,834 --> 00:17:50,232 How much did you receive? 490 00:17:50,299 --> 00:17:54,567 First stimulus check, I received roughly $3,000. 491 00:17:54,633 --> 00:17:55,500 [Judge Judy] Three thousand? 492 00:17:55,567 --> 00:17:57,400 [Benjamin] Yeah. It was for me, her, 493 00:17:57,467 --> 00:17:58,799 - and Jack. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 494 00:17:58,866 --> 00:18:01,333 And how do you know it was for you, 495 00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:03,299 and the plaintiff, and your son? 496 00:18:03,366 --> 00:18:05,133 Did it delineate who it was for? 497 00:18:05,200 --> 00:18:06,633 It went by the tax returns 498 00:18:06,700 --> 00:18:10,232 which had myself, Marisa, and Jack on there. 499 00:18:10,299 --> 00:18:11,133 [Judge Judy] No. 500 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:13,500 There's usually a stub with it. 501 00:18:13,567 --> 00:18:15,432 Do you have a copy of what you received? 502 00:18:15,500 --> 00:18:16,333 I do not. 503 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:18,032 [suspenseful music playing] 504 00:18:18,099 --> 00:18:20,567 Just because the court dismissed her complaint 505 00:18:20,633 --> 00:18:24,532 does not mean you could sue her for filing a false restraining order 506 00:18:24,599 --> 00:18:27,967 unless you have some evidence to show me 507 00:18:28,032 --> 00:18:31,599 that she filed the restraining order knowing that it was false. 508 00:18:38,500 --> 00:18:41,866 [suspenseful music playing] 509 00:18:41,933 --> 00:18:43,933 [announcer] Twenty-two-year-old Marisa Williams 510 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:45,032 claims her ex-husband... 511 00:18:45,266 --> 00:18:47,165 [announcer] ...twenty-one-year old Benjamin Rettig 512 00:18:47,232 --> 00:18:49,467 owes her for stimulus payments. 513 00:18:49,532 --> 00:18:52,032 Benjamin is countersuing for car damage 514 00:18:52,099 --> 00:18:54,467 and filing false restraining orders. 515 00:18:54,532 --> 00:18:57,432 [Judge Judy] Now, I can tell you that 516 00:18:57,500 --> 00:19:02,700 I'm not an IRS specialist so I can only tell you from experience. 517 00:19:02,767 --> 00:19:05,432 The IRS makes a check payable 518 00:19:05,500 --> 00:19:08,866 to one person or a check to two people 519 00:19:08,933 --> 00:19:11,733 if they filed jointly, and if they're getting a refund. 520 00:19:11,799 --> 00:19:15,467 I never heard of the $3,000 stimulus check. 521 00:19:15,532 --> 00:19:18,700 First stimulus check I believe was $600? 522 00:19:18,767 --> 00:19:20,032 Am I getting that right? 523 00:19:20,099 --> 00:19:22,299 Tina, would you check that for me, Sarah? 524 00:19:22,366 --> 00:19:23,666 [crowd] It was 1,200. 525 00:19:23,733 --> 00:19:25,333 - [Judge Judy] Hmm? - [crowd] It was 1,200. 526 00:19:25,400 --> 00:19:26,366 [Judge Judy] Thank you. 527 00:19:26,432 --> 00:19:27,700 Check it for me. 528 00:19:27,767 --> 00:19:29,467 First stimulus check was 1,200. 529 00:19:29,532 --> 00:19:32,000 Even that way, the math doesn't work out, 530 00:19:32,066 --> 00:19:35,400 because if it was a stimulus check for the three of you, 531 00:19:35,467 --> 00:19:37,299 it would have been $3,600. 532 00:19:37,366 --> 00:19:38,599 For children, it was less. 533 00:19:38,666 --> 00:19:40,967 The first was 1,200 per person 534 00:19:41,032 --> 00:19:45,567 followed by 600, and then an additional 1,400. 535 00:19:45,633 --> 00:19:47,700 And is there a difference for a child? 536 00:19:47,767 --> 00:19:49,866 The stimulus package for one year 537 00:19:49,933 --> 00:19:54,000 upped the child tax credit from 2,000 to 3,000 per dependent 538 00:19:54,066 --> 00:19:55,666 ages six to seventeen, 539 00:19:55,733 --> 00:19:58,366 while children five or younger, the credit was increased 540 00:19:58,432 --> 00:20:01,432 from 2,000 to 3,600 per dependent. 541 00:20:01,500 --> 00:20:03,299 And that was for 2020? 542 00:20:03,366 --> 00:20:04,200 Yes. 543 00:20:04,266 --> 00:20:06,432 [Judge Judy] What other monies did you receive, sir? 544 00:20:06,500 --> 00:20:09,400 I received money from the tax return and the three stimulus checks. 545 00:20:09,467 --> 00:20:12,099 Well, how much did you receive from the tax return? 546 00:20:12,165 --> 00:20:14,967 - I'd like to see it. - I have the tax return right here. 547 00:20:15,032 --> 00:20:17,467 Do you have any evidence to show what he received? 548 00:20:17,532 --> 00:20:19,432 - Yes, I do. I have-- - [Judge Judy] I'd like to see it. 549 00:20:19,500 --> 00:20:24,432 I have a picture um showing the last four numbers of my bank account 550 00:20:24,500 --> 00:20:27,032 and then the last four of the bank account 551 00:20:27,099 --> 00:20:28,400 that the stimulus checks went to. 552 00:20:32,032 --> 00:20:33,432 It doesn't say anything here. 553 00:20:33,500 --> 00:20:37,032 It just shows um the last four numbers of my bank account. 554 00:20:37,099 --> 00:20:38,567 [Judge Judy] It shows that you didn't get anything. 555 00:20:38,666 --> 00:20:39,500 [Marisa] Exactly. 556 00:20:39,567 --> 00:20:42,000 [Benjamin] I have the tax returns right here showing how much I got. 557 00:20:42,066 --> 00:20:43,032 Read it off to me. 558 00:20:43,099 --> 00:20:45,333 For the 2019 federal filing, 559 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:48,799 I received $4,409. 560 00:20:48,866 --> 00:20:50,567 [Judge Judy] And that was for a child credit? 561 00:20:50,666 --> 00:20:51,532 Yes. 562 00:20:51,666 --> 00:20:53,400 [Judge Judy] And at that time, in 2020, 563 00:20:53,567 --> 00:20:55,633 the child's sole source of support 564 00:20:55,700 --> 00:20:59,599 both before you separated and after was Mr. Rettig, is that correct? 565 00:20:59,666 --> 00:21:00,799 - That is correct. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 566 00:21:00,866 --> 00:21:04,066 And in 2020, I received $4,346. 567 00:21:04,133 --> 00:21:04,967 And what was that? 568 00:21:05,032 --> 00:21:06,599 That was my 2020 tax return. 569 00:21:06,666 --> 00:21:08,000 What was 4,409? 570 00:21:08,066 --> 00:21:09,032 That was 2019. 571 00:21:09,099 --> 00:21:10,733 - Yeah. - And how was that broken down? 572 00:21:10,799 --> 00:21:14,967 [Benjamin] That was a child tax credit and I overpaid on taxes. 573 00:21:15,032 --> 00:21:16,366 [Judge Judy] Okay. So that's his money? 574 00:21:16,432 --> 00:21:17,266 That is correct. 575 00:21:17,333 --> 00:21:18,866 [Judge Judy] And in stimulus money, 576 00:21:18,933 --> 00:21:22,133 you got in total, it says $3,200, 577 00:21:22,200 --> 00:21:23,400 that's what you should've received. 578 00:21:23,467 --> 00:21:25,834 - You said you received 3,000? - It's based upon income, I believe. 579 00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:26,967 [Benjamin] The first stimulus check... 580 00:21:27,032 --> 00:21:29,933 - Oh. - ...it was 1,200 for each adult 581 00:21:30,000 --> 00:21:31,299 and then it was 500 per child. 582 00:21:31,366 --> 00:21:32,232 - So the first one-- - Okay. 583 00:21:32,299 --> 00:21:33,133 [Benjamin] ...would have been 2,900. 584 00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:35,165 So you understand she's entitled to hers? 585 00:21:35,232 --> 00:21:36,467 - You understand that? - Yes. 586 00:21:36,532 --> 00:21:37,432 Did you give it to her? 587 00:21:37,500 --> 00:21:38,432 - No. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 588 00:21:38,500 --> 00:21:40,666 So you understand you have to give her $1,200 589 00:21:40,733 --> 00:21:42,200 because that's her stimulus check. 590 00:21:42,266 --> 00:21:44,834 If what you're telling me is each person, 591 00:21:44,900 --> 00:21:47,099 you and your wife, got a stimulus check 592 00:21:47,165 --> 00:21:48,666 and you took both of them, 593 00:21:48,733 --> 00:21:51,467 that was not the intention of the stimulus check. 594 00:21:51,532 --> 00:21:54,000 Certainly, I know it wasn't gauged on what you earn, 595 00:21:54,066 --> 00:21:56,400 it was a per capita payment. 596 00:21:56,467 --> 00:21:58,799 Not that there was any rhyme or reason to the payments because 597 00:21:58,866 --> 00:22:02,767 I will tell you that there was not rhyme or reason to the payments, 598 00:22:02,834 --> 00:22:04,165 they're just printing checks. 599 00:22:04,232 --> 00:22:07,032 But you have to return the $1,200 for her's, 600 00:22:07,133 --> 00:22:07,967 do you understand? 601 00:22:08,032 --> 00:22:09,032 - Yes. - [Judge Judy] Okay. 602 00:22:09,099 --> 00:22:12,099 You have a cross complaint for car damage? 603 00:22:12,165 --> 00:22:13,000 Yes. 604 00:22:13,066 --> 00:22:15,200 [Judge Judy] This is what your ridiculous claim for car damage 605 00:22:15,266 --> 00:22:16,633 is that when she left, 606 00:22:16,700 --> 00:22:18,700 she took one car that belonged to you, 607 00:22:18,767 --> 00:22:21,432 that she was supposed to maintain in good working order, 608 00:22:21,500 --> 00:22:24,900 and when she returned it, it wasn't maintained in good order? 609 00:22:24,967 --> 00:22:26,299 That's what it's about? 610 00:22:26,366 --> 00:22:28,299 Take that up with the judge who does the divorce. 611 00:22:28,366 --> 00:22:29,666 I'm not dealing with that. 612 00:22:29,733 --> 00:22:32,933 And for filing a false restraining order and legal fees. 613 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:35,066 Okay. Did you file a restraining order? 614 00:22:35,133 --> 00:22:36,432 I did and I have proof. 615 00:22:36,500 --> 00:22:39,599 I have the two--I have the pictures from the assault. 616 00:22:39,666 --> 00:22:42,967 Um just after the assault and then I do have the police reports. 617 00:22:43,032 --> 00:22:43,866 [Judge Judy] Just a second. 618 00:22:43,933 --> 00:22:46,000 You filed two different actions? 619 00:22:46,066 --> 00:22:46,900 Correct. 620 00:22:46,967 --> 00:22:49,567 [Judge Judy] Was there a trial related to those actions? 621 00:22:49,633 --> 00:22:51,000 - There were. - There were two trials? 622 00:22:51,066 --> 00:22:52,000 - [Marisa] Yes. - [Judge Judy] Well, I'm not hearing 623 00:22:52,066 --> 00:22:53,032 that evidence again. 624 00:22:53,099 --> 00:22:56,666 That judge made a determination as to whether or not 625 00:22:56,733 --> 00:22:59,299 there was a low level of proof 626 00:22:59,366 --> 00:23:01,200 as to whether or not the incident occurred. 627 00:23:01,266 --> 00:23:03,099 Were you granted a restraining order? 628 00:23:03,165 --> 00:23:05,333 - I was not. - [Judge Judy] So after you testified 629 00:23:05,400 --> 00:23:06,599 and your husband testified, 630 00:23:06,666 --> 00:23:08,567 the court dismissed your complaint? 631 00:23:08,633 --> 00:23:09,467 That is correct. 632 00:23:09,532 --> 00:23:10,933 I also didn't have a lawyer, so I did not show this evidence. 633 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:13,866 [Judge Judy] I don't, don't-- shoulda, woulda, coulda, 634 00:23:13,933 --> 00:23:14,900 you went to court, 635 00:23:14,967 --> 00:23:16,567 the judge heard your case, 636 00:23:16,633 --> 00:23:20,333 and at the end of the case with the lowest quantum of proof, 637 00:23:20,400 --> 00:23:23,767 at least the same quantum of proof as required here, 638 00:23:23,834 --> 00:23:25,599 the court dismissed your complaint. 639 00:23:25,666 --> 00:23:28,900 Just because the court dismissed her complaint, Mr. Rettig, 640 00:23:28,967 --> 00:23:33,000 does not mean you could sue her for filing a false restraining order, 641 00:23:33,066 --> 00:23:36,432 unless you have some evidence to show me 642 00:23:36,500 --> 00:23:40,032 that she filed the restraining order knowing that it was false, 643 00:23:40,099 --> 00:23:42,799 a text, a message, that sort of thing. 644 00:23:42,866 --> 00:23:45,032 She's entitled to file for a restraining order, 645 00:23:45,099 --> 00:23:46,066 and if she loses, 646 00:23:46,133 --> 00:23:48,432 the court could grant you cost if in fact 647 00:23:48,500 --> 00:23:50,900 you had a lawyer because you're suing for legal fees. 648 00:23:50,967 --> 00:23:52,700 Did your lawyer make a request for legal fees? 649 00:23:52,767 --> 00:23:53,599 No. 650 00:23:53,666 --> 00:23:55,200 [Judge Judy] Well, that's not my problem, that's your problem. 651 00:23:55,266 --> 00:23:56,666 You've had your day in court. 652 00:23:56,733 --> 00:23:59,400 Judgment for the plaintiff in the amount of $1,200. 653 00:23:59,467 --> 00:24:01,032 We're finished. Thank you very much. 654 00:24:01,099 --> 00:24:02,333 [Kevin] Court is adjourned. 655 00:24:04,567 --> 00:24:08,532 I am not happy with it because he took so much money from me. 656 00:24:08,599 --> 00:24:10,500 She only wants money, that's all she's ever wanted. 657 00:24:10,567 --> 00:24:11,733 He received payment. 658 00:24:11,799 --> 00:24:13,200 He's also not paying child support, 659 00:24:13,266 --> 00:24:16,967 therefore, um, he's pretty much just doing this to get back at me. 660 00:24:17,032 --> 00:24:18,933 There was a time where I was paying child support. 661 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:20,633 I have since been ordered to not pay child support. 662 00:24:20,700 --> 00:24:22,266 He didn't care and he didn't wanna give it to me. 663 00:24:22,333 --> 00:24:25,500 I hope she gets her stuff together and... 664 00:24:26,366 --> 00:24:27,200 doesn't bother me. 665 00:24:27,266 --> 00:24:29,666 I hope that he really leaves me alone and he does what's right. 666 00:24:30,467 --> 00:24:32,299 [Judge Judy] You know what was nice to see, Sarah? 667 00:24:32,366 --> 00:24:35,299 Even though those kids were very young and very young 668 00:24:35,366 --> 00:24:37,967 to accept the responsibility of child, 669 00:24:38,032 --> 00:24:39,633 if what she said is true, 670 00:24:39,700 --> 00:24:43,066 I think she's putting her life in a better direction 671 00:24:43,133 --> 00:24:44,933 if she's applied to school and stuff. 672 00:24:45,000 --> 00:24:48,633 Could you imagine yourself taking care of a baby and going to school? 673 00:24:48,700 --> 00:24:50,333 [Sarah] No, 50/50 custody, 674 00:24:50,400 --> 00:24:54,467 that responsibility while trying to do college starting at 21? 675 00:24:54,532 --> 00:24:56,133 - That's tough. - That's tough. 676 00:24:56,200 --> 00:25:00,532 So, you're supposed to think before you start a family. 677 00:25:00,599 --> 00:25:04,400 Think about your future and how to make it the best future you can 678 00:25:04,467 --> 00:25:08,432 possibly--and make yourself the best person you could possibly be. 679 00:25:08,500 --> 00:25:12,133 But she sounds bright and he's certainly-- 680 00:25:12,200 --> 00:25:15,266 I was actually impressed with how smart he was 681 00:25:15,333 --> 00:25:17,299 knowing about his tax returns. 682 00:25:17,366 --> 00:25:18,633 And supporting three people. 683 00:25:18,700 --> 00:25:20,432 [Judge Judy] Supporting three people. Yeah, you're right. 684 00:25:20,500 --> 00:25:21,933 impressive. 685 00:25:22,933 --> 00:25:24,200 Sad but impressive. 686 00:25:25,933 --> 00:25:27,099 [announcer] Want justice? 687 00:25:27,165 --> 00:25:29,232 Go to JudyJustice.tv. 688 00:25:34,266 --> 00:25:37,266 [theme music playing]