Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
I am currently going through a divorce and its already been filed in the NJ Court System. Here is a little jist of whats going on my ex wife has moved out of the house and is still paying bills at the house such as cable, gas and water. I currently live in the house and pay the mortagage along with the rest of the bills. The children live with me half of the time. My question is can I and do I have the right to change the locks on the doors to keep her from entering the house and taking what she wants without informing me of what she takes. I know the house is legally still ours and she still has some items that belong to her in the house but what can I do to have her to honor my privacy?
Thanks for the time and the information provided.
Chris
4 Answers from Attorneys
You may consider obtaining a temporary restraining order.
However, if your wife is not violent this may be difficult.
You can also leave your wife's belongings at an agreeable place so that she will no longer have a need to come to the house for them.
Does your wife have visits with the children?
If yes where does she meet them?
Perhaps you can arrange to have her pick up her belongings at the place where she meets the children.
If you wish to discuss this in further detail please contact us. We are very experienced in these matters.
I would consider discussing this matter with your attorney. I assume you have one. If not, you should get one today. There is no reason not to have one as you clearly have questions and issues. Call me at 732/247/3340 to discuss.
Your question is a common one. As always the answer is that it all depends. To resolve the issue you can change the locks on the house and then she will have the option of going along with the new arrangement or going to the Family Part of the New Jersey Superior Court to have a judge rule on whether you have acted appropriately. If you have an attorney you should confer with your attorney before you do anything.
If you do not have an attorney you should obtain the services of an attorney.
Call me if you like.
You need a lawyer to help you. Please get one!