court

Going to court

Lawyer: "What is your date of birth?"
Witness: "July 15th."
Lawyer: "What year?"
Witness: "Every year."
—Taken from court records

Earlier on the website, I suggested that it may be far cheaper, far better for your health and far better for your marriage if you just sold and got out rather than fight against an entrenched board and the property management company.

However, if you are reading this, it seems that you decided to stay and fight. Be aware that by taking the board to Superior Court, you must be prepared to spend a great deal of time, worry and expense.

The costs of going to court
Most likely going to court will be expensive. It is going to cost you hundreds of hours in time, thousands of dollars, long periods of stress and many a sleepless night.

In return, you you will get a few moments of joy, learn a lot about our court system and if you win, a great sense of relief and satisfaction.

You will also develop friendships with some of your neighbours and hopefully you will have a trusting and rewarding relationship with your lawyer—your champion.

Stay cool, stay respectful
Through the process, stay cool, polite and respectful towards the board, the manager, their lawyer and the owners, residents and employees who are opposed to your stand.

You gain nothing by being rude or obnoxious and boorish behaviour on your part will have three serious consequences. It will:

1.	Have a negative effect on the judge's opinion and possible judgment and costs. The judge looks for who has the moral high ground so you cannot afford to throw that away.
2.	It will make it more difficult to reach a settlement. Believe me that is something you may be wishing for as the process drags on.
3.	It will be harmful if you win and you become a board member. After all, the incumbent board members will most likely remain as your neighbours and possible future opponents, or supporters, in future elections.