Family Law

Bugged Bear lands Mom in Court

By Robert M. Kisselburgh, Esq.

Mom who bugs Teddy Bear gets sued

A Nebraska woman is being sued by her ex-husband after she placed a listening device in their 4-year-old daughter's teddy bear. Embroiled in a child custody battle, Mom was wanting to get some information to use against ex-husband. Problem is that it is illegal in Nebraska, as well as many other states including Mississippi, to tape a conversation where at least one person has not consented to the recording. According to the article, many of the people whose voices were recorded by the teddy bear, including court personnel, have joined in the lawsuit seeking damages against the Mom, her father, and her former attorneys.

For those involved in divorce or child custody proceedings, proceed with caution if you are thinking about recording your ex-spouse's conversations. There are both state and federal laws which make it illegal to intercept telephone conversations, e-mails, or other electronic messages. Seek the advice of an attorney so you know what the law allows.

Full post as published by Mississippi Family Law Blog on January 10, 2009 (boomark / email).