My dad recently recieved a paper that stated him and I were being sued for $10,000, please help.?

Question

Hello, when I was 18 my dad forged my signature and put me as president of his company. I don't remember the exact reasons. Well now a 5 years later a police officer dropped of a letter stating that me and my dad and the company were to be sued for $10,000. He told the police that I am nowhere to be found, I did not actually recieve the notice. I do not want to report my dad for fraud but he said I have nothing to worry about because "this is a civil suit" and you do not need to appear in court if they did give me the notice. He said he is sending a lawyer to take care of it and "do worry, i'll tell you when to worry about it." What do you think?

I am also using his office right now for personal business, so I don't exactly want to get on his bad side.

also they spelled my name wrong, it starts with a k as opposed to a c, would this make a difference? Also I did not see any signatures of mine in this paper I received.

also, what if he does pay the 10,000 like he says he is, is there anything to worry about then?

sorry he actually said "don't worry, i'll tell you when to worry about it"

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about it. A few good questions though. Why were you put as president of the company? Why would you be being sued? Answer those two questions, and you'll have pretty good direction pointing to the answers. Ask him. Think about it logically for a moment. Your father brought you into the world, and nothing you experience could've been experienced without him, so first off let's be grateful for that gift of life. Secondly, a lawyer firm is a business. Businesses run for one reason, to Get Profit. Clearly they're not going to care about your personal interest as much as they are going to want their profit in the end, it's a bit more cold than dealing with family directly. As strangers, these people have no consent to the actual relationship you and your father have. From the perspective you give, it makes him seem like a scumbag, when I truly doubt that is the case. I'd talk to your dad and if I didn't get the proper answers then I would consult a lawyer and the judge of whatever, to help them realize you didn't actually do anything wrong. You didn't do anything. He forged the signature and did everything. What could you possibly have to worry about? You'll have to tell them the honest truth about everything, and that may put your father into trouble. I'd stick it out with my family, you'd be nothing without them, not to mention not even exist. It really depends on where your heart is. Only for yourself. Or For your family.

Answer 2

He forged your name, he lied to the Police, and now is giving you legal advice... What about this whole situation doesn't scream "WARNING".

You must show up in court otherwise you could be found guilty by default for the whole $10K, attorney's fees, etc. (depending on your State).

Let's see, he knows the court date...what's to stop him from showing up in court, saying it is all your fault, and allowing the court to find you liable for the whole $10K?

Get yourself an attorney. Don't use your dad's. Your dad's attorney can only represent your father's interests --- NOT YOURS.

I'm not attorney, but if you can't afford an attorney, you should check with the County Bar Association (legal society) in your community for a referral. Just in case you are in Indiana, here is the legal aid society's website address: http://www.indianajustice.org/Home/PublicWeb

Your state should have a similar website.

Just because you 'didn't receive notice' doesn't negate your responsibility since you know about the suit.

Get out from your Dad's influence...

Your dad doesn't seem to be worried about you getting in trouble, but you SHOULD!!!!

GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

well the company was founded on false principles, so by law its a fraudulent company. That normally results in felony charges.

Then add in the fact he forged an ADULTS signature due to fact you were 18, that again is a felony.

If I was you...I would get an attorney ASAP and get this cleared up, even if it means your dad has to pay the money or go to court. Otherwise you are gonna get pulled into this as part of the scheme and go to jail and fines yourself.

If this company has been registered as a LLC, S corp, Inc, etc....then you are looking at federal charges as well let alone tax evasion, etc.

This is a HUGE mess and by far is not civil.

Answer 4

You need your own attorney. You do have something to worry about. Your attorney can tell you if you need to show up in court for this particular suit. But your problem runs deeper than that. How your name is spelled is not going to matter one bit. Tell your attorney the whole story and he can help you avoid any criminal proceedings that could occur from this whole mess. Depending on what type of company it is (corporation, LLC, partnership) you could be held liable for the $10,000 if you dad defaults.

Answer 5

Get a lawyer. Get out of that office and don't use it for any purpose until this is cleared up.

I don't know precisely why your dad put you on as company president, but my guess is it was to protect himself in a case like this.

Now, you have to make a decision. You can trust him, and hope it all turns out alright, which I'm sure it will for him, but you can get royally screwed here. Or, you can protect yourself, and probably irritate your father to say the least.

Personally, when I think someone is setting me up, I don't mind irritating them.

Get a lawyer.

Answer 6

This doesn't sound good for you. I would demand a copy of the notice from your father. If he refuses, get your own lawyer, because something doesn't smell right.

If you don't appear in court, you will probably lose. The court doesn't like it when you disrespect them in that way, and, without your side of the story, what is the judge supposed to do?

I realize this is a family matter as well as a legal one, but you're old enough to be looking out for your own best interests. Even if you own nothing of value now, they can attach your wages to pay any settlement.

Really, cover your own butt. If your dad had your best interests at heart, you wouldn't be in the dark.

.

Answer 7

If i were you - I would trust your "dad" about as far as I could throw him!

You need an Attorney - and badly!

If you do not answer the complaint - assuming that they can make good "service" by Publication or otherwise, the Plaintiff can obtain a "Default Judgment" against you if you do not show up - and this Judgment will remain against you for a number of years!

And any property you ever own could be sold off to be applied to the Judgment!

Get your self an Attorney just as soon as possible!

And tell your dad you are doing this to protect yourself!

If he gets mad - that is life - and life goes on!

Answer 8

I am assuming that you are in business as well. Business is business, if using your fathers office is saving you equal or more than $10,000, then follow his lead. If $10,000 is far greater than what you are getting from your father, then hit your father up with a forgery case.

If you are not in business and are a regular worker guy, you need to stick your father with a forgery case. Your life will depend on things like good credit and no criminal records.

Answer 9

Get a lawyer. You don't want bad advice. Find out what the law states in regard to your situation. Your dad didn't take you into consideration and is blowing this off like it is not big deal. Take care of you and get yourself help.

Answer 10

I would contact my own lawyer--your name is on the lawsuit and named as co-defendant, yeah I would worry.