Control Issues

[@cameronlawoffices898]

She begins all her statements with "Your Honor.". So simple, yet so important.

[@elkins4406]

She also answered all of his questions with no preambles, elaborations, or extra "flavor text" of any sort. I think that really helped her case as well.

[@daynasafranek7807]

He could have laid off the Red Bull, too. That said a lot, too. 😅😂

[@seraphinaaizen6278]

Judge Middleton seriously did NOT like that guy. And he saw right through him.

[@TheImmortalDivine]

I'm so impressed with this judge for seeing the psychological power games in this case. Absolutely brilliant.

[@Servo1616]

Pro tip for people in the dating world: What he's doing is a way to be in control and abusive. He's using the money to manipulate her. Nothing generous about it. Be wary of people who "help you out" and play games like this later. Im so glad the judge saw through this. I'm sure he deals with this all the time.

[@JonathanTheZombie]

Love this judge. He has very high emotional IQ.

[@modiste]

Worked for a small business in the 90’s. The admin assistant was the boss’s girlfriend. She did absolutely nothing and was fired when they broke up. I used to joke that wether she was at the office or gone, her productivity was the same.

[@Katrina-qs2rl]

That's why well-run companies have so many rules against employees dating one another.

[@ediemarie13]

Never. Ever. EVER. Date the boss. It's not going to turn out good for you.

[@MGL-MichelleGoesLive-zf8uw]

This is going on right now where I work. Got hired on the same time as another girl. Shes younger. HELLO, you don’t 💩 where you sleep! Very sad, but watching this play out. Sad bc she’s a single mom. When the “fling” is over, she’s jobless. smh!

[@maryholden3136]

Someone I knew when I was young did. They both listened to all the colleagues, the friends and the family members telling them both what a bad idea it was. They ignored everybody, dated intensely and married within 6 months of meeting. They're 70 and 80 now..... and still married

[@MGL-MichelleGoesLive-zf8uw]

@@maryholden3136 They are lucky! It normally never plays out that way. Just saying

[@ediemarie13]

@@maryholden3136 There are always exceptions to every rule. I'm happy for them ☺️

[@noblepenn4816]

Rare exceptions to the rule aside, don't date people you work with especially not your boss

[@Kiwikiwikiwioyoyoy]

That beard was trying its hardest to give him a chin but to no avail.

[@csh43166]

😂😂😂

[@MelanaC]

The entire video that’s all I’ve been able to see 😂😂😂

[@deepstatethrombosis]

Hey now, I resemble that statement!

[@suepongallo]

12:00 She's got her facts ready, and seems more prepared. He seems like he's just trying to wing it, and doesn't have as good of a case.

[@cacu3989]

🎯🎯🎯

[@PaulSmith-zi3sn]

Mr. Business owner isn't used to not getting his way..... 😢😂

[@lizdugan5984]

You have no idea; my husband went to school with him and worked for his family for ten years. They're all entitled acting.

[@kimstelly9480]

Wow, I think Michael Mostrom might date younger women because he needs to be in control and the “smartest” in the relationship. 😉😉I love how he had to interject that he “spoke with her mother about the loan”, as if she is incapable of speaking for herself. Cuts his feed before the judge is finished and keeps making faces as the judge gives his opinion? Is it the receding hairline, overbearing mother, small “manhood”, or a combination of factors? We are SO ANXIOUS to know. 😂😂😂 Luckily, this type of “man” usually folds hard under any real authority and is very predictable. I typically find Judge Middleton way too lenient on criminal cases, but he was right on here, thank goodness.

[@jenniferrandolph4115]

I agree!

[@lizdugan5984]

​@@jenniferrandolph4115my husband grew up with this guy and worked for his family; they're all entitled snobs.

[@datjag4Jackie]

Manipulation is crystal clear in this case. Poor excuse of a man. Pathetic. Love ya Mike ❤️

[@Paul-cn3ij]

Every time the judge or the ex said something he didn't want to hear, he reached for the Red Bull. An example of a coping mechanism for a narcissist.

[@jenniferrandolph4115]

Maybe Red Bull isn't in the container. 🤔

[@Paul-cn3ij]

@@jenniferrandolph4115 That's a lot of trouble to go to, filling up a RB can with something else when could just put whatever it was into a mug... 😉 Anyway, it's the action of reaching for something and/or do something rather than showing you're listening that is the give away. An adult version of a kid putting their fingers in their ears and saying "la, la, la".

[@extremelyhappysimmer]

Cope sip

[@vivaldi1948]

Judge Middleton has his number and its' a big fat zero!

[@suepongallo]

4:35 "we had her put in as administrative assistent." That sure makes it sound like she was only an employee on paper, which supports her claim that it was understood he was giving her a gift.

[@helgafrahmann4201]

Eine angeliegte ????

[@loisbolton1800]

This kind of small claims matter was the bread & butter for Judge Judy.

[@MelanaC]

Oh I just Adore Judge Middleton …’You get nothing…’ Perfect! And to drop in a Chillie there too 🤌🏼 beautiful

[@TheMakersMarkTSF]

In the beginning I was siding with the plaintiff because I had made an employee, (not in a relationship) a large loan that was never paid back. I am glad that Judge Middleton was thinking clearer than me.

[@TheImmortalDivine]

I bloody LOVE the judge for recognizing the manipulation that was being attempted by the guy. He was already her employer AND had given her money (both forms of control and leverage), and if she repaid the money, he'd lose the ability to hold it over her. Only when she really broke up with him did he decide to pretend it was a loan and try to get it back as a way to punish her.

[@kararodgers2578]

100 percent right what the judge ordered. Esp after she tried to give it back and he said no. Don't ever mix your work and relationships. When you're the owner of a business the worst thing u can do is get into a relationship with one of your employees. It just rarely works out for the best. And he sure did sound like he got off on having that control over her. If it was just about the money he would have let her pay him back the money when she offered to. It was never about that in my opinion. Great job judge!! As usual

[@Chelseallauren]

Financial abuse is a thing ladies. Don’t ever not have your own.

[@DamePiglet]

Man, I am soooo happy I'm married to a wonderful man.

[@daynasafranek7807]

Truth. It can be an awful form of abuse and control. When one has no options and the other has all of them, it’s never a fair or equitable relationship. The older one gets, the less options they feel that they have.

[@sandracastrodad2316]

I decided, long before I married my first husband, that I would NEVER be in a vulnerable financial position. With my first husband, I was the main earner in the household. Because I had my own income, I was able to leave the marriage. I married my second husband a few years later and maintained my financial independence and still do. She seems like a nice gal. I hope she learned from this experience and, next time, finds a man who deserves her.

[@WilliamPoole-rl7ly]

He just wants to be in control when it comes to this relationship. Uses this 'loan' whichever way makes him feel in charge at a particular moment.

[@darlenewizda8559]

He’s just being vindictive because he doesn’t like to lose

[@Collageartist69]

He wants her bad

[@ediemarie13]

Sux to be him

[@zerieth6620]

He's a manipulator. He may not have been violent but he was definitely abusive.

[@DR.64A9]

Judge nailed the manipulation aspect.

[@magiegainey5036]

$18. an hour for an office manager?!? Must not have been much of an office to manage. 😂. He's a sleaze.

[@csh43166]

This reminds me of a Judge Judy case... LOL!!! 🤪 Hope you're having great travels, Mike!!

[@laurelhess2836]

This is one of the only times I've heard you not sound misogynistic. Thank you

[@LawTalkWithMike]

Oh run along with the misogyny bs I call it as I see it always have it’s just that sometimes the woman is wrong.

[@bucketree]

Love Judge Middleton so wise, can see the truth of the matter ❤

[@jirup]

Just another reason to love Judge Middleton.

[@loribrooks5284]

HAAAAAA! He gets ZERO!! He’s zero point zero!!!

[@97TJ]

Which is the same as my GPA, as it turns out

[@susantruppa7321]

Why is he speaking to her mother? sounds like stalking tendencies

[@katiem1553]

Mad because I missed the premiere. Stoked at the Love Boat 😆

[@nunommper]

There is love in the air!!! Paying a girlfriend moves her to a completely different category !!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rustynails8756]

I was thinking the same thing

[@97TJ]

Yes! There was a Seinfeld episode where he hired a maid, who he then began banging, but still paying. The housework stopped happening, but not the bedroom activities

[@LoisMillar]

❤ I've been missing The couples "luv songs " ...ltwm spoils Me. 😊 what about friends. 😂❤

[@cameronlawoffices898]

Am I the only one who was breathlessly awaiting the answer to "What was her POSITION?"

[@97TJ]

"Mostly cowgirl, Your Honor, occasional doggy..."

[@maryholden3136]

I thought I was the only one with a dirty mind

[@mishie618]

Middleton is truly the coolest cucumber in the garden. 😂 he is smooth and yet those little bumps keep people in line. I just compared a judge to a cuke. Fantastic

[@user-rw2dq3vp9t]

mr bossman rage quit at the end without saying anything because the judge saw right through his control attempts, love it

[@nancybellemare3493]

Judge is down to earth! Love him!

[@chaseskinner98]

She’s in her early 20’s, he’s in his 40’s.

[@daynasafranek7807]

Exactly. May/December romances 😅😂

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

Good morning from Springfield MO, Mike! Great analysis on a very sensitive case.

[@mortalclown3812]

💯

[@guardianv5846]

Your honor, I gave her the money so she won't have a " headache" every night. But then she never "returned the favor".

[@bucketree]

This is why I tell my friends never to travel with a guy who you are seeing without your own credit card, your own cash and your own plane ticket to return. If you can’t afford it yourself then just wait until you can. And if you think doing a kindness or favour should be repaid then its creating an extremely transactional relationship. Keep your own account and savings married or single.

[@ducknorris233]

Funny how sometimes we can’t just write stuff off as a lesson learned. Must really be eating at this guy.

[@Luvacanuck]

Dear Mr. Mostrom, please see a barber as your beard trimming choices creates a “no chin” look straight on. Thank you in advance…😂😂😂

[@Katrina-qs2rl]

I find it fascinating that judge Middleton accused him of money laundering. Oh my.

[@softshoes]

Never a wrong time to drop in a Chilli cry.

[@zzyyxx100]

Great job, judge! Judge saw what a manipulator he was.

[@katiem1553]

"Oh, she did GREAT work!!" 😏

[@munroborisenko7278]

What ? Judge Simpson drinks from a huge coffee mug !

[@schwabrichard9829]

Judge Middleton is no fool!

[@andybright3295]

He takes a drink every time that he gets called out. This dude is not cool

[@donna-leeking9014]

He was trying to help her !!😂 His halo is choking him 👼…or maybe it is the Redbull that’s choking him 🥫🤢🤮

[@GrannyJB]

Dang, he told him off big time! Good for him.

[@jaylors5825]

Are you tring to tell me I cannot sue a girl into my heart?

[@loganphillips5935]

Litigate your way to love

[@cacu3989]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimberlydavis8889]

He’s a scuzzball!

[@othertalk3313]

Paying your girlfriend $18/hour is probably just one of the reasons she is now an ex-girlfriend.

[@mountainmandale1587]

She was only worth half of that.

[@magiegainey5036]

Good one! 😂😂😂😂

[@catslivesmatter1268]

What she probably has a bad gag reflux 😅

[@shaunareid3513]

Good pay wish I was paid well for busting my ass.

[@brookepageguitar]

The rules are more relaxed … sir put down the Red Bull 😂

[@darlenewizda8559]

We know how that goes. . She just gets paid . 😂

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

“What was her position?” “Inappropriate question, your honor!”

[@jaihawkins]

Middleton is the GOAT

[@bakerman10]

She's a looker.

[@dianechrzanowski6862]

When do we get to see you practicing? I'm assuming I missed it. Please point me to the video.

[@darrelcrane5138]

oh Mike, Roll the starting logo over the oath. Very sophisticated. All grown up.

[@willdiggie]

Why she rock her head every time she answer. 😂😂😂😂 she got attitude🔥

[@davidcashell4860]

Crying chille never gets old

[@stevefromchicago8277]

Middleton 🙌

[@susandombrowski7711]

Good call Judge M

[@GlovesDonohue-bk7qp]

I was disturbed by Mikes instant woman-blaming during this video. Glad to see him back off of that. That guy seems like a creepy stalker.

[@varell4255]

All hail the drama critter! DUN DUN DUUUUUUN! 🦫

[@LindainBoston1]

Happy, safe travels @ltwm

[@divinemischief4655]

Oh no, he favours Law and Lumber, IMO 😊

[@LindainBoston1]

Hey all, Happy Tuesday from Boston

[@RandolphPerfetto-rq9jp]

She's way to pretty for him. She actually seems normal considering most of these video's.. lol. He seems heartbroken 💔.. haha

[@stephenmarcus7051]

Great decision, judge

[@piva1358]

Her position was missionay😂😂😂😂😂

[@nunommper]

I had the exact same thought as soon as judge Middleton asked!!!

[@RacheyBoBachey]

Buh dum ch! Lol with title of SEXretary...

[@45Patriot]

😂😂😂😂

[@juliamarie1216]

Back to the shows finally!

[@97TJ]

I seem to recall an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry hired a maid, then started sleeping with her while still paying her to clean. She stopped cleaning, but continued the bedroom activities and accepting the money. Makes things awkward!

[@Kevlar-78]

Judge always reminds me of the lab guy from the movie 12 Monkeys that releases the virus 🦠 😂😂😂😂😂

[@mwhe3111]

Going after ex-gf for $1000? Goofy look, dude.

[@billwendell6886]

He didn't find any issue with order violated????

[@bakerman10]

Dude, what's with your volume on the clips???

[@SuzA8110]

I had a lot of stress during my admin assistant days but no one ever offered me any money!

[@BonJody]

I can't decide if cecilia looks more like Mandy Moore or Jamie Lynn Spears

[@wantvegas]

Jamie Lynn Spears

[@elitereptilian200]

what a slimey dude..

[@PaulLanier-u3c]

LoL "she did great work" yeah I'll bet she did

[@SocialContraire]

Haha love the i need to breath air supply

[@WenbruReviews]

Happy Tuesday

[@Leesaloves]

You crack me up 😅

[@lucyjane103]

Put your red bull down….. 🤣😂😅

[@carolmiller7310]

Thanks

[@nancygrabowski64]

Good judge

[@johnt.inscrutable1545]

What was her position? Hmm, lemme think.

[@donna-leeking9014]

Is he upset because she wasn’t putting out in exchange for his monetary favours ?

[@patrickoneal4356]

I'm confused, her offering to pay is proof that it is a loan.How can he just quash a loan.

[@staceyrankin1257]

Otoh, FailBeard's refusal to accept payment indicates it wasn't a loan. I'm glad the judge recognized FailBeard's manipulation for what it was.

[@suepongallo]

@patrickoneal4356 a real loan, done right, involves a written agreement of how much the loan is for and what the terms are for repayment. He has none of that, so he has no enforceable loan. Besides all that, I think the judge is right. Him putting the word "loan" in quotes, him refusing payment more than once in the text thread, and him filing his case in small claims court immediately after she won a protection order, support the judge's view that this wasn't really a loan but he's using it to try to manipulate her.

[@patrickoneal4356]

@staceyrankin1257 Have you ever heard of an oral contract, they are legal and enforceable. Her offering to pay validated the oral contract. He didn't want payment the way she wanted but as previously agreed to, by working.

[@jill7759]

He doesn’t deserve to get his money back but just on general principles I will say..She should never have taken money from him.

[@33mdan]

When simping goes wrong?

[@musicmaker85]

Usually the women are the manipulative party in these cases and I thought this was going to be no different at first. Once I heard her say she had offered to pay him back and he refused then invited her to go on a business trip with him, I realized who was doing the manipulating here. Judge Middleton nailed it again!

[@scottnielsen3620]

Only the judge can drink something

[@cacu3989]

Nonsense. Men are the ones committing the vast majority of emotional abuse, misogynistic clown

[@forgetmeshots]

Smash, smash, smmmaaaaassssh. Yeah. 🥳

[@forgetmeshots]

HMU, QT. 😘

[@forgetmeshots]

Totally fair. 💯👍🏻

[@rasplundjr]

what position...I almost choked mid drink on that line she probably did too....

[@williambinkley8879]

Please pause the video when you play your little memes, it’s hard to follow the case

[@mikebridges7294]

Why do people feel the need to tell creators what to do with THEIR videos? If he began pausing too often, the no pause side will chime in. There's NO way to please everyone so, creators will do what they feel is best. LTWM has 241,000 subs... he must be doing things at least mostly right lol.

[@MyUncleIronRider]

How's Busan?

[@ryanmaris1917]

The problem isn’t the Lon it’s the fact we wouldn’t take payment from her besides work basically forcing her to violate the PPO, he’s just stupid.

[@Brettsharplpn]

Her position was missionary?