M.G.'s Law

MEET M.G.

M.G. is now 13.

Born in Central Vermont.

A kid who loves drawing, gaming, playing bass guitar, and hanging with friends.

At age 12, M.G. was named as a defendant in an eviction lawsuit alongside M.G.'s mother.

THE TIMELINE

What happened:

• M.G.'s mother requested fire safety equipment in their rental home

• Shortly after, an eviction lawsuit was filed naming both mother and child as defendants

• M.G. was served eviction papers by the local sheriff

• M.G. was 12 years old

Can you imagine being named in a civil lawsuit at age 12?

Can you imagine being told your parents cannot defend you in court?

THE "PRO SE PARENT CATCH-22"

When M.G.'s mother tried to defend her child, she faced impossible barriers:

❌ Parents cannot represent their children in court (prohibited by Vermont law)
❌ Children must have separate legal representation (impossible for most 12-year-olds to obtain)
❌ Or hire an attorney (financial barrier most families cannot meet)
❌ Or wait until age 18 (justice delayed is justice denied)

Meanwhile, the civil court filing creates a PERMANENT PUBLIC RECORD that follows children throughout life—affecting housing applications, background checks, employment opportunities, and more.

Even if the case is dismissed.
Even if the family prevails.
The record remains.

A GROWING PROBLEM

This pattern is appearing across the country:

Children being named in adult legal disputes to pressure their parents. Families facing impossible procedural barriers when trying to protect their children in civil cases.

We call this practice WEAPONIZED LITIGATION AGAINST MINORS.

"LET THEM PROTEST!"

M.G. is ready to speak out—so this doesn't happen to other kids.

When asked about going public with this story, M.G. said:

"Let them protest!"

M.G. knows this matters.
M.G. wants to help other children.

That's courage.

THE CASE

Jury Trial: October 27-28, 2025
Location: Washington County Courthouse, Montpelier, Vermont

What happened at trial:

• M.G.'s mother raised claims about the impact of naming her child in the lawsuit

• The court dismissed certain claims before trial

• The jury ruled in favor of the landlord on the remaining issues

• Evidence about M.G.'s experience was limited by pretrial rulings

The family is considering an appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court.

THE QUESTIONS WE'RE ASKING

Should children be named as defendants in adult landlord-tenant disputes?

Should families face impossible procedural barriers when trying to protect their children in civil court?

Should a 12-year-old have a permanent public court record because of an adult housing dispute?

We believe the answer is NO.

We need your voice to show lawmakers and courts that this matters.