FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THIS POST
THIS FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT DID NOT IMPRESS JUDGE JUDY!
A Guardian's Financial Dealings Questioned
Imagine a courtroom where every detail of a financial arrangement is scrutinized.
That is exactly what happens when a former guardian faces accusations.
The Plaintiff Seeks Justice for Her Sister
Ms. Greer is the plaintiff.
She is suing on behalf of her 17-year-old sister, Corey.
Corey lived with Ms. Lorda, the defendant, as her guardian for several years.
Ms. Greer claims Ms. Lorda took money from a joint account.
This money was earned by Corey from her after-school job.
The Defendant's Side and Counterclaims
Ms. Lorda denies taking money for herself.
She states any withdrawals were for Corey's needs, like an iPhone.
Ms. Lorda also has counterclaims.
She is suing for property damage caused by Corey.
She also has a claim related to a van.
Judge Judy Dismisses Property Damage Claim
Judge Judy addresses the property damage first.
She states that any damage caused by Corey while living with Ms. Lorda is Ms. Lorda's problem.
Ms. Lorda was the guardian.
She was responsible for providing rules and structure.
Judge Judy questions why Ms. Greer should be responsible.
Ms. Lorda states the damage happened the night she made Corey leave.
But Corey was still in her home.
Ms. Lorda was still her legal guardian.
Judge Judy concludes it is Ms. Lorda's problem.
The Van Dispute Gets Dismissed
Next, Judge Judy turns to the van counterclaim.
Ms. Lorda explains she has a minivan.
She let Corey use it.
When things started to go wrong, Corey had it towed.
Ms. Lorda says she didn't know where it was.
Ms. Greer states the van was parked at her aunt's house.
It didn't have tags.
She believes that's why it was towed.
She denies having anything to do with the towing.
Judge Judy finds the van story to be "baloney."
She says if it was a new car, Ms. Lorda would have sued immediately.
Judge Judy tells Ms. Lorda to call the police if her car was stolen.
She states she is not interested in the van issue.
It is "too messy."
Corey's Earnings and the Joint Account
Judge Judy shifts focus to the main dispute: Corey's earnings.
Corey states she worked from August to December.
She moved out of Ms. Lorda's house in January.
She worked at Culver's.
Her first paycheck was in September.
She worked for four months.
Corey presents pay statements.
She initially states she earned approximately $3,667 net pay.
Judge Judy asks for the exact amount.
Corey's statements show $3,307.25.
Questioning the Deposits and Transfers
Judge Judy asks about deposit receipts for the joint account.
Corey opened the joint account after she started working.
Ms. Lorda states around $700 was deposited from September to December.
Judge Judy then asks about transfers to another account.
Ms. Lorda confirms it was her account.
She explains Corey was supposed to deposit 75% of her checks.
Ms. Lorda also says Corey wanted regular cable TV.
Corey allegedly said she would pay for it.
Ms. Lorda would transfer money for the $78 monthly cable bill.
Judge Judy points out that Ms. Lorda, her daughter, and grandchildren also lived there.
Everyone watched the cable.
Judge Judy states Ms. Lorda cannot transfer money from Corey's account for a shared cable bill.
The Cash Deposit Revelation
Corey adds that Ms. Lorda took money out of the cash she handed her.
Judge Judy notes several transfers from the joint account to Ms. Lorda's account.
Ms. Lorda claims she also deposited money into the joint account.
Judge Judy questions why Ms. Lorda would put her own money into Corey's account.