Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: unwanted house occupant

Mother needs to ask BOTH to leave, especially if drug use is ongoing. If Mother just wants girlfriend to leave, that�s her choice. It sounds like Mother has already tried the informal approach. I recommend Mother send a written letter to girlfriend telling her she has 5 days to leave and is an unwanted guest. If girlfriend still won�t leave, Mother will have to go to the Justice of the Peace where the house is located and file an eviction action, also called a Forcible Entry & Detainer. There may be a filing fee, but the cost should be worth it. Then ask the court for information on having the Sherriff or a Process Server serving the court papers on the girlfriend, there will be a cost for this, also. If girlfriend is not out by the time the court hearing comes around, the hearings are set pretty quickly; the Judge will order her to leave and will get the Sherriff to remove the girlfriend if necessary. Mother should be prepared to stay on top of the paperwork required by the court. Mother can hire an attorney. I work in southern Arizona, but I may be able to help Mother draft the paperwork for a fee if you are in Maricopa Counties. Good Luck,