Reply #74: I would think that if the legal system gets involved,...

[renate]

... it would behoove you to be the classy one. Shunning but no signs. You doubtless have right on your side, but this has escalated to such a degree that your neighbors' sins might not translate to your getting off scot-free. You could both get punished. Again, you are right and this is all horribly unfair, but your dear neighbor would surely not want you to pay a fine or suffer in any way because of your position in support of her.

Good luck. You're a wonderful friend. And your neighbors are horrible horrible horrible people who deserve every bit of misery that comes their way in the course of their bitter, angry, petty lives.