Attorney's help please!!?

Question

If my husband has left me and the house is in my name only, can I change the locks on doors?

Answer 1

Basically if he still has clothes there, he still lives there in the eye of the law, If he took his clothes and things, then it looks like he left you or abandoned you and had no intention of returning, or if he told you he was leaving you or left you a message stating so, then legally you could change the locks citing your safety as the reason. Now if his clothes are still there, and even though he left for parts unknown, should he return and was locked out, he could claim that you threw him out and may legally have to let him back in unless there are other reasons for doing so. If he is gone, then file for divorce, get a restraining order for your safety, so you can get the law on your side. Hope this helps. Also you didnt say if there are any children at home or not, but if so youll keep the kids and the house, otherwise you could be ordered to sell the house and divide the profit especially if youre in a community property state. Good luck

Answer 2

Yes, but be sure you have a start on your divorce or legal separation proceedings to guarantee your safety and to keep him from being able to break the door down.
If you start legal proceedings it will lock down all assets and will spell out who has access to what until the divorce is over.
In my situation, the house was also in my name and my ex-husband took off. He returned a day later and broke in, taking all he wanted and I had no say-so in the situation.
Later, after the preliminary legal paperwork was done, it kept him from being able to get into the house. The only problem was that we had been married. Even though the house was purchased by me before our marriage, I had made every house payment, and he was gone- he was legally entitled to half of it. Thankfully, he never fought for it, so I have it back free and clear.
Protect yourself as much as you can. Good Luck......

Answer 3

Yes, you have every right to change the locks on the doors. My mother went through this and her house was ONLY in her name and her husband came beating on the door with the police in toe. They said there was nothing they could do but asked my mother if she would be kind enough to allow him to get the rest of his belongings, she did and that was it.

Answer 4

Yes for the time being at least. If home aquired while married then he will likely have a claim to a portion of the home's value. If you owned it before marriage you might have a better chance to keep, but not real good. If you have legitimate fear of him, or if there has been real abuse, you might try a protective order. Check with your local county court. You will also likely need to hire an attorney sooner or later, so bite the bullet. Try for free consultations, go to at least three different ones before deciding. Be careful and good luck.

Answer 5

Absolutely. But don't expect to keep the house during the "equitable distribution of the assets" of the divorce if he decides to put up a fight. You might be forced to sell the house, but since it's YOUR house until then, you can do whatever you want with it, including locking him out of it.

Answer 6

Yes, change the locks.

Answer 7

you have the right to do that, but leave him the option to get his stuff out of the house, if he can't do it all at once then put something in writing stating when and what time he is able to get his stuff out. you need to get a laywer though cause with assests it makes things harder. Good Luck

Answer 8

Yes, he abandoned you.

Answer 9

Yes you can girl...And you really should..

Answer 10

yep just like in the song
Walk out that door, cause you are not welcome anymore...