Request from Judge Mathis

[professionalmom]

About a month ago I filed small claims suits against some former clients who stiffed me out of a lot of money (DHS clients, almost impossible to calculate prepayment). Right a few minutes ago we got our mail for today and there was a letter from Judge Mathis - one of those TV Judges. They say they found my info via a search of a small claims records search in my area, that if I win they will guarantee I will receive the money (it sounds like I won't have to go through collections, garnishments, etc.). Plus they will pay for the travel expenses to Chicago.

First, I'm leery about this being spam. But, I have been thinking about how much daycare providers get mistreated by DCPs and society in general (why are we always the bad guys?) and how OUR stories need to be told. Maybe this would be a way to show people how much we are taken for granted. Or maybe I'm being a little nieve to think that anyone (other than us) care.

Plus, my family and my MIL life in the Chicago area, so it would be a free trip to visit them.

What do you ladies (and gentlemen) think? Give the producer a call or not? If so, what do I ask? Have any of you gotten a letter like this? I'm very flattered right now, but I have always been a private person and have little to no trust in the media. Plus, I worry about exploitation. PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE. What would you do?

[My Daycare]

I really don't know what I would do. Those judge shows seem to have a way to make both parties look and feel like idiots.

[professionalmom]

I really don't know what I would do. Those judge shows seem to have a way to make both parties look and feel like idiots.

That's another one of my concerns. But I haven't watched any of those shows in at least 5-10 years, so I'm not sure how they are now. Are they like most "reality" shows - all about sensationalism?

[HeatherB]

I would call the producers to see if it is legit and do your research BEFORE agreeing!

[misol]

Give the producer a call to find out if it's legit. If so, then I say go for it! Get your 15 minutes of fame while representing all of us providers. If you have a strong, solid case, there is usually very little that they can do to make you look like an idiot.

It's highly unlikely however, that your former client will agree to go on the show though. She would be screwing herself royally by appearing on national TV for nonpayment to a daycare provider. She will never be able to find childcare again!

These shows are definitely sensationalized but I am hooked. I watch at least one per day during nap time! Judy Judy is my fave::

[professionalmom]

Give the producer a call to find out if it's legit. If so, then I say go for it! Get your 15 minutes of fame while representing all of us providers. If you have a strong, solid case, there is usually very little that they can do to make you look like an idiot.

It's highly unlikely however, that your former client will agree to go on the show though. She would be screwing herself royally by appearing on national TV for nonpayment to a daycare provider. She will never be able to find childcare again!

These shows are definitely sensationalized but I am hooked. I watch at least one per day during nap time! Judy Judy is my fave::

I haven't watched Judge Mathis, only while flipping channels and only for a minute or two, but if he's anything like Judge Judy - forget it!

As for my case being solid - Ha Ha Ha! I quit law school in my second year so I could be at home with my children during their formative years. So my contract is pretty darn solid (contracts I & II were my BEST courses). Plus, I would NEVER file a suit unless I was at least 95% confident that I would win. So, I'm not worried about that. But I know the former client will try to assassinate my character. That's what I'm afraid of in a public forum, especially TV. In a regular courtroom, the judge won't allow personal grudges to be brought up. It's just stick to the issue - breach of contract. But I doubt it will be that way when it's for TV.

[originalkat]

Life is an adventure! If it is really legit and and I knew I had a strong case with documentation/paperwork I would go for it. ::
Plus you have family there so that would be cool.

Let us know what you decide. We will all be wanting to watch it!

[MN Mom]

Wow!! Judge Judy is still on T.V.??? I haven't watched her since...um maybe my Senior year in HS and I'm going to be 30 in July. I always got a kick out of her show.

I, personally, wouldn't go on TV for small claims. I'm quite shy though, so if you are confident with your character and your case...go for it!

[Lilbutterflie]

I say check it out to make sure it's legit, and as long as she doesn't have any leg to stand on... go for it! But I do agree, she will probably try to attack your character and you have to be ok with that. Does she know any deep secrets you don't want the world to know?

[jen]

Cool! Update!!!!

[tenderhearts]

Better him than Judge Judy!!! I haven't watched Judge Mathis but if he's anything like her I wouldn't do it. I'd stick to the local system

[Janet]

No daytime judge show appearances for me!

I'm too afraid that the judge will be mean to me and that I will break down into hysterical tears and make an ass of myself on TV. I would be so humiliated. It's OK if I do it in private, I just don't want to do it on tv. I watch those shows and I've seen how mean Judge Judy in particular can be! Nope, not for me, but I would love to see a provider go on and represent for the rest of us who may be in the same boat.

[TGT09]

OK, I don't really like the judge shows to be honest but he's actually the best of all of them imo. He's not as condescending as some of the others. Like a pp said though, I would make sure it's legit first before worrying.

[originalkat]

I agree that Judge Mathis is the best TV court judge. He seems to be fair and not there to "just put on a show" like some others I have seen in the past. (I dont have cable so I havent watched in like 3 years) but that is what I remember about him.

[MarinaVanessa]

How fun! Not the part of you being jipped for your money but about being on Judge Mathis. I havn't seen court TV in a while either but if you decide to do it let us know. I know at least that I would be very interested in seeing the outcome. Hopefully he makes the family look like loosers. Either way, make sure you update.