Legal Definitions - intermeddler

An "intermeddler" refers to an individual who voluntarily and without legal right or invitation interferes in the affairs of another. In legal contexts, this term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the interference is unwarranted, intrusive, or potentially harmful. The more formal legal term is "officious intermeddler," highlighting the meddlesome and often uninvited nature of the intervention. Such actions are typically undertaken without the consent or authorization of the person whose affairs are being interfered with, and without any compelling necessity or emergency justifying the intervention.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of an intermeddler:

• Example 1: Unauthorized Property Repair
  Imagine a homeowner is away for an extended period. A neighbor, noticing a small, non-urgent crack in the homeowner's driveway, decides on their own initiative to hire a contractor to repair it. The neighbor pays the contractor and then presents the homeowner with the bill upon their return, expecting reimbursement. The homeowner, however, might have preferred a different contractor, a different repair method, or might not have considered the crack a priority.

  Explanation: The neighbor acted as an intermeddler because they voluntarily interfered with the homeowner's property without permission, authorization, or an emergency situation. While their intentions might have been good, their actions were unsolicited and could create a dispute over payment, as the homeowner did not consent to the service or the cost.

• Example 2: Uninvited Financial Intervention
  A small business owner is temporarily incapacitated due to illness. A well-meaning friend, without being granted power of attorney or asked for help, accesses the business's mail and pays several outstanding invoices using their own personal funds. The friend believes they are helping to keep the business afloat, but some of the invoices were actually under dispute or were scheduled for payment through an automated system, leading to duplicate payments or complicating existing negotiations.

  Explanation: The friend is an intermeddler because they took unauthorized action regarding the business's financial affairs. Despite their good intentions, their interference was uninvited and potentially detrimental, as it created financial confusion and possibly wasted funds or undermined ongoing financial discussions.

• Example 3: Interference in a Legal Dispute
  Two individuals are involved in a minor car accident and are exchanging insurance information and discussing the incident. A bystander, who witnessed the accident but has no legal connection to either party, approaches them and begins to aggressively advise one of the drivers on what to say to the police, how to frame the incident, and even suggests they refuse to provide certain details, potentially giving misleading or unhelpful advice.

  Explanation: The bystander is acting as an intermeddler by inserting themselves into a private legal matter between two parties without any right, invitation, or legal standing. Their unsolicited and potentially harmful advice complicates the situation for the involved drivers and could negatively impact their ability to resolve the matter fairly.