Paula's Ponderings

Guess what dear readers?

I’m back with an incredible tale that delves into the timeless battle of good versus evil—a story where the hallowed halls of justice witnessed the unmasking of truth, and the courts delivered a verdict that resonates with justice.

Today’s update takes us deep into the heart of a legal saga, the Order of Possession case I waged with the Mexican courts. Quick summary of the case:

• February 2022: I paid 100% for the condo
• August 2022: Found out about Nurse N’Poop and broke up with Trash
• September 2022: Trash broke into my condo AFTER we broke up
• October 2022: I hired a lawyer seeking sole rights to the condo, aka “Order of Possession”
• End of 2022: Trash was served with this legal paperwork, and chose to appeal it.
• April 2023: Order of Possession hearing in April 2023.

Continue reading for the update.

June 2023

In June 2023 the Puerto Penasco courts deliver a resounding victory in my favor. Not only did justice prevail, but the court deemed my case so airtight that it came with a penalty:

• a fine of $10,000 Pesos (equivalent to $586.42 USD as of Feb 2024) for Trash.
• an additional fine and jail time if he should he dare approach or harm my cherished property.

Yet, the saga continued as Trash, true to form, appealed the decision. The legal battle escalated to the higher court in Caborca, prolonging the ordeal. The court took 6 months to make a decision.

The appeal process is simple – when Trash filed the appeal, all of the documentation (testimony, financial statements, etc.) were sent to the higher court to review the lower courts decision. Myself, Trash, and the witnesses did not need to appear. The higher court reviews the lower courts decision and all the accompanying documentation and will decide in one of the following ways:

• Uphold the prior decision
• Partially modify the prior decision
• Overturn the prior decision

December 2023

In December 2023, 6 months after the appeal, the higher court made a decision. The higher court echoed the verdict of the lower courts, upholding my possession 100%. The email confirming this was almost poetic:

Trash chose not to appeal the second court’s decision, making the victory final. I now hold legal, undisputed possession of my condo, and the sanctions against Trash are not just on paper—they are recorded with two courts.

So this Chapter is over and my beachfront condo has been secured, recorded with the courts, AND with the Condo Association:

• Trash has been removed from all HOA systems so he can no longer stalk me. He no longer has access to my bookings/reservations, no longer knows when friends are visiting, etc..
• Security is now aware that he has ZERO reason to be near the B building. The police will be called if he comes anywhere near my building.

How it Feels

How do I feel? Happy, relieved, and vindicated. I’m sure he is still out there telling anyone who will listen that I “stole” the condo from him, but nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is, he tried to steal something from me that wasn’t his and the courts agree with me.

I am also proud of myself – I stood up for myself and my assets. I am lucky to be in a position to protect myself. If he was a good man, he would have signed the paperwork to remove himself from the unit when we broke up, but no. He is a conman, a parasite – sucks the energy out of everything he comes in contact with. I’m glad its over and I’m so ready to move on from this nightmare.

So this chapter is done, complete. Story isn’t over … but close. For now, I am happy with the results in Mexico.

Lessons Learned

What have I learned from all of this? That there are garbage men out there who will lie, cheat, and steal from the people they profess to love. Don’t do what I did, protect yourself and DO NOT mingle finances.

I’d love to hear from you – please share your victory stories. It would be great and know that others out there have also defeated their ex’s in court.

The End.

For those interested, Mexico civil courts are different (and I think simpler) than US civil courts. Basically, The civil code in Mexico exists at three levels: City, State, Federal. So the Local courts make a decision. The decision can be appealed to the State, then at the Federal level. Everything takes time (but less time than in the states). In my case:

• City/local/district courts can take 2-3 months to make a decision. In my case, the Puerto Penasco courts took 2 months to make a decision.
• State level courts can take 2-6 months to make a decision. In my case, the Caborca courts took 6 months to make a decision. No new evidence was admissible, no court appearance was required. Oral closing arguments are allowed, which is why the lawyers where required.
• Federal level courts can take 18 months to 3 years to make a decision.

The End (again).