“That is correct, Your Honor,” Jamie said. “The home and adjoining apartment belongs to Kurt Schnauder’s mother. My client believes that Mrs. Schnauder is only claiming ownership of the property to deny my client her rightful settlement.”
When Philip produced the pertinent paperwork, Judge Grossman found that the property was indeed owned by one Maisy Schnauder and therefore would not be part of any division of assets. Donna Schnauder was not entitled to any portion of the property.
“Ms. Tismann, your client is employed, is she not?” Judge Grossman asked, poring over the papers provided to him.
“Uh, yes, she is, but uh, because of COVID, she’s been relegated to part-time with Clarkston County’s Budgeting,” Jamie Tismann declared.
“And has been employed with Clarkston County for…hmm, Seven years, eight months,” Judge Grossman mused aloud.
Seth Grossman motioned one of the three bailiffs in his courtroom to approach the bench. He scribbled rapidly on his legal pad and tore the sheet from the pad. The bailiff accepted the sheet and stepped out of the courtroom.
“And, just how long has your client been relegated to part-time status?” Judge Grossman asked, holding Ms. Tismann’s gaze intently.
Well, since we’re on a mandatory lock-down,” Ms. Tismann began.
“I’m aware of the lock-down, counselor,” Judge Grossman snapped. “How long? How long has your client’s hours been reduced to just part-time?”
“Uh, beginning with the last pay cycle,” Jamie admitted.
“Convenient,” Judge Grossman drawled. “And, I’m willing to bet, within sixty days of my decision? Mrs. Schnauder will once again be placed on full time status. Counselor? I’m so confident, I’m willing to bet your disbarment on it. Care to take that wager? Mr. Turner, wipe that smile from your face.””
The bailiff returned and put a sheet of paper in front of Judge Grossman. He read it and smiled maliciously.
“Ms. Tismann? Care to take my wager?” Judge Grossman asked again.
“No, Your Honor,” Ms. Tismann muttered.
“Because according to Ms. Jackson, Mrs. Schnauder’s supervisor, Mrs. Schnauder approached her and requested the reduction of her scheduled hours,” Judge Grossman revealed. “And according to Ms. Jackson, no other employees within her department have had their hours reduced, COVID or not. So, nice try, Mrs. Schnauder.”
Judge Grossman continued to pore over the paperwork. He frowned and flipped back through several pages, then continued his scrutiny of the paperwork.
“Starting salary is thirty seven thousand eight hundred a year. Even when factoring in maximum allowable deductions, hmm,” Judge Grossman said and tapped on his calculator. “Anywhere from twenty three to twenty seven; Ms. Tismann? Where is your client’s financial records?”
They, uh, they’re right in front of you, Your Honor,” Jamie said.
“No. No they are not. I have the bank records for the Schnauders’ joint account here. And according to the pay stubs from Mr. Schnauder’s place of employment, his entire pay check was deposited, via direct deposit into their joint account each first and fifteenth of the month. Mrs. Schnauder deposited five hundred and fifty dollars each month. Again, if we divide by twelve, minus this five fifty, Mrs. Schnauder, where is the fourteen to seventeen hundred going each month?”
Jamie and Donna exchanged looks. Seth Grossman stared at the two women, unblinking.
“Mrs. Schnauder? The court is waiting for your response,” Judge Grossman snapped.
“I uh, the uh the financial records of Mrs. Schnauder are not pertinent to these proceeding,” Jamie offered.
“My courtroom, Ms. Tismann. In my courtroom? I decide what is and what is not pertinent. Not you and not your client, Mr. Turner, I am warning you, get that smile off your face,” Judge Grossman snapped. Now, you have one hour, Mrs. Schnauder. We will break for lunch and reconvene at one pm. At one pm, I expect to have Mrs. Schnauder’s bank statements and her tax filings for the previous three years on my desk. One hour, Mrs. Schnauder. Is that clear?”