Legal Question in Family Law in Iowa

My wife and I have been basically verbally fighting and not getting along for the past year and half. Now, recently instead of arguing with me, she has decided to have zero communication with me. I have been relegated to leaving written notes or leaving messages on my own home answering machine in hopes of getting some type of response. We have two teenage children, and they speak to me and do activities with me, but otherwise they are "attached at the hip" so to speak with my wife. We are not legally separated or anything like that. I still "live" in the house but in an effort to keep the peace and not have a major blow-up, I come and go only when she is NOT there. So, I came "home" yesterday to find she had someone change ALL the exterior entry locks and deadbolts! I cannot get into my own house!!! This is ridiculous. I make ALL the house and property tax pymts as well as having already paid off ALL credit cards, etc. And yes, I do actually "live" there, even if she doesn't see me come and go. I am semi-retired and currently take care of my elderly mother almost 24/7, but I do "live" at my home, if you can call it living, ha! My question is this...can she legally deprive me of any access to my own home and my own personal property??? I feel that as the homeowner ("one of...") I should be able to call a locksmith and legally ask him to pick MY own homes lock!!! Or even physically break a window in MY own home to gain entry!!! She also has gotten a PO Box, and keeps all utility bills, car insurance bills, etc. from me...can she legally do that??? Please help me with any expert opinions before I end up in JAIL for trying to get in MY own home! Located in Iowa. Thanks, I just found this website and it is AMAZING!

Asked on 5/29/15, 8:56 am

Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

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0 attorneys agreed

You need to file a police report. I don't advise self help.

Answered on 5/29/15, 1:55 pm

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