Expert: Robin Sexton - 4/11/2008

Question
Recently, my brother, "Tommy", his wife, "Nadine", and I got in a bit of a confrentation, that didn't turn out so well. The reason behind the arguement was concerning our other brother's ("Teddy") girlfriend, "Cara". Nadine doesn't like Cara, because she feels that she is a threat to her marraige. However, in all reality, she's not. Nadine is just really insecure, and suffers from postpartum depression.  I was residing with Nadine and Tommy, helping Nadine with their new daughter. When I noticed that she was really jealous of Cara and Teddy's relationship.  When I would hang around Teddy and Cara, Nadine would get really upset with me, and would tell Tommy. Tommy would then get upset with me, and neither would talk to me. I moved out and asked Teddy to ask Tommy to give me all of my mail that was recieved at the household. (Tommy would never answer any of my calls when I tried to con tact him.) Tommy left a note outside of my apartment stating that I would never recieve my mail. Is there anything that I can do, regarding the law to recieve my mail. I've already went to the post office and had them to start sending my mail back to my apartment, but I know that other mail was sent to their house. Is there anything that I could do about it?

Answer
Hillary,

This is a very awkward and difficult scenario and no easy answers.  Family issues usually are.
You have taken care of future problems with your mail now you need to deal with the old mail.  Truthfully your best course of action is to negotiate.  Either you or someone mutually trusted and respected by both parties.  You can call the police but there is very very little they will be able to do.  True, Tommy and Nadine can not keep your mail but all they have to tell the police is that you left it there and they threw it out after you moved out, case closed.  Unless they do something really stupid like try to cash a check or assume your identity that is about it.  Also what is the value of the mail ?? a dollar maybe more ? who is to say.

Sorry there is no cut and dried answer.


Good luck

Robin