Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

Small Claims for neighbor harrassment?

My neighbor has taken it upon himself to continually speak negatively of me to my surrounding neighbors. He initially began a dislike for me when I befriended a mutual neighbor who was 94. I was new to the neighborhood and just liked spending time with the man. My teenage daughter would also visit with him and back for him. The elderly man had already willed all of his assests to the neighbor I am complaining about. He felt that I was trying to cut in on his impending wealth (1/2 - 3/4 million dollars). I also befriended a dying neighbor on my other side. The elderly man has since died (I received nothing). I have been accused of poisoning this mans dogs, reporting him to the fire dept for illegal burning(he was burning illegaly, I didn't report him). He has told neighbors that I have been the cause of some of their recent mishaps. I am a respected community member. A teacher of 30 years and a local volunteer for Special Olympics. My husband and I are hard working people. Anyway, I have no monetary suit. I just want the harrassment to stop. I am not seeking medical treatment for any stress he has caused etc. Is there anyway that I can file a Small Claims suit just to shut him up? Thanks - Cyndy


Asked on 9/04/06, 12:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Small Claims for neighbor harrassment?

Well, you can always file a suit, but Small Claims doesn't have jurisdiction to do anything that you want. The law cannot solve all problems, just those that can be reduced to money.

One option that you might want to check into is that each county in WA state has a dispute resolution center.

You can submit a request for mediation; the Center will contact the other party, and encourage them to show up and see if the two of you can get away fom your positions (e.g. innocent victim of harassment, angry heir) and find your actual interests (neighborhood peace) and figure out a way to resolve this.

Courts detest neighbor disputes. You are likely not to get anything you want, frankly.

Your other option? Move.

Best of luck with this. Powell

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Answered on 9/04/06, 12:46 pm


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